Gladite is a rare lead copper bismuth sulfide mineral that typically forms as acicular or bladed crystals within hydrothermal veins. It is most easily identified by its metallic, lead-gray appearance and its distinct occurrence alongside other bismuth-bearing sulfosalts.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Gladite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this gladite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch gladite with a known reference. Gladite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gladite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Gladite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or bladed crystals, massive aggregates.

Often confused with

Gladite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Aikinite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Gladite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Gladite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside gladite

Minerals reported to co-occur with gladite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: PbCuBi₅S₉
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 6.4 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular or Bladed Crystals, Massive Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find gladite

Classic worldwide localities

Gladhammar, Sweden
Berezovsk, Russia
Maldon, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where gladite typically forms. If you start seeing aikinite, chalcopyrite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or bladed crystals, massive aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify gladite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray.

Where is gladite found?+

Notable localities include Gladhammar, Sweden; Berezovsk, Russia; Maldon, Australia.

How much is gladite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is gladite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and bismuth; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest or inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like gladite?+

Gladite is most often confused with Aikinite, Wittichenite, Galena. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with gladite?+

Gladite commonly co-occurs with Aikinite, Chalcopyrite, Galena, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does gladite form in?+

Gladite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is gladite used for?+

Gladite is used in collector.

Find gladite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.