Junoite is a rare lead-copper-bismuth sulfosalt mineral primarily known from the Juno Mine in Australia. It usually appears as lead-gray metallic grains or tabular crystals associated with other bismuth minerals in hydrothermal vein systems.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Junoite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this junoite?

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 junoite with a known reference. Junoite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Junoite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Junoite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Junoite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Junoite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Junoite leaves black, Tetradymite leaves lead-gray.

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Often found alongside junoite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃CuBi₈(S,Se)₁₆
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 7.15 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Gold-bismuth Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find junoite

Classic worldwide localities

Juno Mine, Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, Australia
various small localities in Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal gold-bismuth deposits country — that is the host setting where junoite typically forms. If you start seeing wittichenite, bismuthinite, gold in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify junoite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray.

Where is junoite found?+

Notable localities include Juno Mine, Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, Australia; various small localities in Sweden.

How much is junoite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is junoite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, copper, and bismuth. Wash hands thoroughly after handling to avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like junoite?+

Junoite is most often confused with Galena, Bismuthinite, Tetradymite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with junoite?+

Junoite commonly co-occurs with Wittichenite, Bismuthinite, Gold, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does junoite form in?+

Junoite typically forms in hydrothermal gold-bismuth deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is junoite used for?+

Junoite is used in collector.

Find junoite on the map

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