Galenobismutite is a rare lead-bismuth sulfide that typically forms as acicular or prismatic crystals in hydrothermal deposits. Collectors look for its metallic, lead-gray to tin-white luster, often found alongside other bismuth-bearing minerals in complex ore veins.
Is this galenobismutite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch galenobismutite with a known reference. Galenobismutite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Galenobismutite leaves a grayish-black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Galenobismutite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, tin-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular, prismatic, or massive.
Often confused with
Galenobismutite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Galenobismutite leaves grayish-black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Galenobismutite leaves grayish-black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Galenobismutite leaves grayish-black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside galenobismutite
Minerals reported to co-occur with galenobismutite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbBi₂S₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 7.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- Grayish-black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, Prismatic, Or Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find galenobismutite
Classic worldwide localities
- Falun, Sweden
- Gladhammar, Sweden
- Berezovsk, Russia
- Moctezuma, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where galenobismutite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, bismuthinite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular, prismatic, or massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify galenobismutite?+
Where is galenobismutite found?+
How much is galenobismutite worth?+
Is galenobismutite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like galenobismutite?+
What minerals are found with galenobismutite?+
What kind of rock does galenobismutite form in?+
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Find galenobismutite on the map
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