Hendekasartorite is an extremely rare sulfosalt mineral primarily identified at the classic Lengenbach locality in Switzerland. It forms metallic, lead-gray prismatic crystals that are frequently confused with other arsenic-lead sulfosalts found in the same mineralized pockets. Collectors value it for its complex structural relationship within the Sartorite group and its limited geological occurrence.
Is this hendekasartorite?
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 hendekasartorite with a known reference. Hendekasartorite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hendekasartorite leaves a reddish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hendekasartorite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, elongated crystals.
Often confused with
Hendekasartorite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hendekasartorite leaves reddish-brown, Sartorite leaves chocolate-brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hendekasartorite leaves reddish-brown, Gratonite leaves black.
Often found alongside hendekasartorite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hendekasartorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₁₁As₂₂S₄₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 5.34 g/cm³
- Streak
- Reddish-brown
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic, Elongated Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On One Face
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Dolomite Marble
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen depending on size and crystal quality
Where rockhounds find hendekasartorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lengenbach Quarry, Binn Valley, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in dolomite marble country — that is the host setting where hendekasartorite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, realgar, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic, elongated crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hendekasartorite on the map
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