Hammarite is a rare lead-bismuth sulfide that typically forms as elongated prismatic or needle-like crystals. It is most easily identified by its metallic lead-gray color and association with other lead-bismuth sulfosalts in hydrothermal sulfide deposits.
Is this hammarite?
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 hammarite with a known reference. Hammarite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hammarite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hammarite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or prismatic crystals, commonly in radial aggregates or massive.
Often confused with
Hammarite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Hammarite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs, so Hammarite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Hammarite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Hammarite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Hammarite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Hammarite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside hammarite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hammarite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Bi₄S₉
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.8-7.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Prismatic Crystals, Commonly in Radial Aggregates or Massive
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hammarite
Classic worldwide localities
- Gladhammar, Sweden
- Berezovsk, Russia
- Marmato, Colombia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where hammarite typically forms. If you start seeing aikinite, galena, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or prismatic crystals, commonly in radial aggregates or massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hammarite on the map
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