Jaskólskiite is an extremely rare lead-copper-antimony sulfosalt that typically presents as fine, acicular needles or small prismatic crystals within hydrothermal veins. It is a prized specimen for advanced collectors due to its scarcity and distinct lead-gray metallic luster. Identification often requires analytical methods like X-ray diffraction or electron microprobe due to its similarity to other lead-sulfosalts.
Is this jaskólskiite?
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 jaskólskiite with a known reference. Jaskólskiite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Jaskólskiite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Jaskólskiite 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: acicular to prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Jaskólskiite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Jaskólskiite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Jaskólskiite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Jaskólskiite leaves black, Bournonite leaves steel-gray.
Often found alongside jaskólskiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with jaskólskiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂CuSb₂S₅
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.57 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular to Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find jaskólskiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vena Mine, Sweden
- Boliden, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal sulfide veins country — that is the host setting where jaskólskiite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular to prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find jaskólskiite on the map
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