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Hitachiite is a rare lead-bismuth telluride-sulfide belonging to the tetradymite group. It typically occurs as small, lead-gray lamellar or granular masses within hydrothermal skarn deposits.

Hardness
1.5-2
Mohs
Luster
Metallic
Streak
Gray
Transparency
Opaque

Is this hitachiite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

  • 1
    Test the hardness
    Try to scratch hitachiite with a known reference. Hitachiite sits at Mohs 1.5-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hitachiite leaves a gray streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hitachiite typically shows a metallic luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, tin-white.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: lamellar, tabular, granular.

Often confused with

Hitachiite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Tetradymite mineral
mineral
Tetradymite
Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hitachiite leaves gray, Tetradymite leaves lead-gray.

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Bismuthinite mineral
mineral
Bismuthinite
Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hitachiite leaves gray, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside hitachiite

Minerals reported to co-occur with hitachiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula
Pb₅Bi₂Te₂S₆
Mohs hardness
1.5-2
Density
7.5 g/cm³
Colors
Lead-grayTin-white
Streak
Gray
Luster
Metallic
Transparency
Opaque
Crystal system
Trigonal
Crystal habit
Lamellar, Tabular, Granular
Cleavage
Perfect Basal
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock
Skarn Deposits
Typical price
$50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find hitachiite

Classic worldwide localities

  • Hitachi Mine, Japan
  • various hydrothermal deposits worldwide

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn deposits country, the host setting where hitachiite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pyrite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar, tabular, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hitachiite?+
Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is gray. Common colors include lead-gray, tin-white.
Where is hitachiite found?+
Notable localities include Hitachi Mine, Japan; various hydrothermal deposits worldwide.
How much is hitachiite worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
Is hitachiite safe to handle?+
It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.
What rocks look like hitachiite?+
Hitachiite is most often confused with Tetradymite, Bismuthinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with hitachiite?+
Hitachiite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, Galena, Bismuthinite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does hitachiite form in?+
Hitachiite typically forms in skarn deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is hitachiite used for?+
Hitachiite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find hitachiite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.

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