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, so Jaskólskiite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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