Ikunolite is a rare bismuth sulfide mineral typically found as metallic, lead-gray foliated or lamellar masses. It is most commonly identified by its distinct cleavage and presence in bismuth-rich hydrothermal environments, often appearing alongside other bismuth-bearing sulfides.
Is this ikunolite?
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 ikunolite with a known reference. Ikunolite 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. Ikunolite leaves a gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ikunolite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, tin-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: lamellar, massive, foliated aggregates.
Often confused with
Ikunolite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ikunolite leaves gray, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ikunolite leaves gray, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ikunolite leaves gray, Tetradymite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside ikunolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ikunolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Bi₄S₃
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 7.45 g/cm³
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Lamellar, Massive, Foliated Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find ikunolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ikunolita mine, Japan
- Sweden
- China
- Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where ikunolite typically forms. If you start seeing bismuthinite, galena, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar, massive, foliated aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ikunolite on the map
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