Herzenbergite is a rare tin sulfide mineral that typically forms as black, platy, or massive aggregates within tin-bearing hydrothermal veins. It is distinguished from similar-looking metallic sulfides by its low hardness and association with primary tin deposits.
Is this herzenbergite?
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 herzenbergite with a known reference. Herzenbergite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Herzenbergite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Herzenbergite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, lamellar, or platy aggregates.
Often confused with
Herzenbergite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Herzenbergite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Herzenbergite leaves black, Stibnite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Herzenbergite leaves black, Molybdenite leaves greenish-gray.
Often found alongside herzenbergite
Minerals reported to co-occur with herzenbergite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- SnS
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 5.45 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Lamellar, Or Platy Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Tin Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail to miniature specimen
Where rockhounds find herzenbergite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bolivia (Oruro)
- China
- Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in tin deposits country — that is the host setting where herzenbergite typically forms. If you start seeing cassiterite, stannite, arsenopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, lamellar, or platy aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify herzenbergite?+
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How much is herzenbergite worth?+
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Find herzenbergite on the map
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