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, so Hendekasartorite leaves reddish-brown, Sartorite leaves chocolate-brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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