Heyrovskýite is a rare lead-bismuth sulfosalt that typically occurs in metallic gray lamellar or massive forms. It is found in hydrothermal vein systems and is prized by micromount collectors for its distinct orthorhombic crystal structure and metallic luster.
Is this heyrovskýite?
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 heyrovskýite with a known reference. Heyrovskýite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Heyrovskýite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Heyrovskýite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, tin-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: lamellar or tabular crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Heyrovskýite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Heyrovskýite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Heyrovskýite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Heyrovskýite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2.5).
How to tell apart: Heyrovskýite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2.5-3).
Often found alongside heyrovskýite
Minerals reported to co-occur with heyrovskýite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₆Bi₂S₉
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 7.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Lamellar or Tabular Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find heyrovskýite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hůrky, Czech Republic
- Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
- Gladhammar, Sweden
- Polar Urals, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where heyrovskýite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, bismuthinite, tetrahedrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar or tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find heyrovskýite on the map
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