Hatchite is an extremely rare lead-thallium-arsenic sulfosalt primarily found in the famous Binn Valley of Switzerland. It typically occurs as small, metallic black tabular crystals within dolomitic marble, often closely associated with other complex arsenic-bearing minerals.
Is this hatchite?
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 hatchite with a known reference. Hatchite 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. Hatchite leaves a reddish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hatchite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Hatchite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Hatchite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Hatchite leaves reddish-brown, Gratonite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hatchite leaves reddish-brown, Sartorite leaves chocolate-brown.
Often found alongside hatchite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hatchite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbTlAs₂S₅
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.45 g/cm³
- Streak
- Reddish-brown
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Dolomitic Marble
- Typical price
- $100-1000+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find hatchite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lengenbach Quarry, Binn Valley, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in dolomitic marble country, the host setting where hatchite typically forms. If you start seeing realgar, orpiment, sartorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hatchite?+
Where is hatchite found?+
How much is hatchite worth?+
Is hatchite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like hatchite?+
What minerals are found with hatchite?+
What kind of rock does hatchite form in?+
What is hatchite used for?+
Find hatchite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
