Graţianite is a rare manganese-bismuth sulfosalt that typically occurs as small inclusions or anhedral grains within hydrothermal mineral assemblages. Collectors primarily seek this mineral from its type locality in Romania, where it is often associated with other base-metal sulfides in epithermal vein deposits.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSulfosalt Group family

Graţianite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this graţianite?

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 graţianite with a known reference. Graţianite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Graţianite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Graţianite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Graţianite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Graţianite leaves black, Bournonite leaves steel-gray.

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Often found alongside graţianite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: MnBi₂S₄
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 6.68 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Epithermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300+ depending on matrix quality and size

Where rockhounds find graţianite

Classic worldwide localities

Baia Sprie, Romania

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal epithermal veins country — that is the host setting where graţianite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, sphalerite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify graţianite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, black.

Where is graţianite found?+

Notable localities include Baia Sprie, Romania.

How much is graţianite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300+ depending on matrix quality and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is graţianite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and bismuth, which are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Always wash hands after handling and avoid grinding or breaking specimens to minimize dust exposure. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like graţianite?+

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

What minerals are found with graţianite?+

Graţianite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does graţianite form in?+

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

What is graţianite used for?+

Graţianite is used in collector.

Find graţianite on the map

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