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, so Herzenbergite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Herzenbergite leaves black, Stibnite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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
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How much is herzenbergite worth?+
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Find herzenbergite on the map
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