Kettnerite is a rare secondary bismuth mineral that typically occurs as small, delicate platy or tabular crystals in oxidized bismuth-bearing ore deposits. It is most frequently found as thin crusts or aggregates in association with other bismuth species and quartz, primarily in historical mining districts of Central Europe.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Kettnerite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this kettnerite?

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 kettnerite with a known reference. Kettnerite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kettnerite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kettnerite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, tabular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside kettnerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaBi(CO₃)OF
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 4.56 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-white Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts, Tabular
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Bismuth-bearing Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kettnerite

Classic worldwide localities

Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany
Wittichen, Black Forest, Germany
Jáchymov, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal bismuth-bearing veins country — that is the host setting where kettnerite typically forms. If you start seeing bismutite, bismuth, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kettnerite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-white, colorless.

Where is kettnerite found?+

Notable localities include Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany; Wittichen, Black Forest, Germany; Jáchymov, Czech Republic.

How much is kettnerite 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 kettnerite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like kettnerite?+

Kettnerite is most often confused with Bismutite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kettnerite?+

Kettnerite commonly co-occurs with Bismutite, Bismuth, Fluorite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kettnerite form in?+

Kettnerite typically forms in hydrothermal bismuth-bearing veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kettnerite used for?+

Kettnerite is used in collector.

Find kettnerite on the map

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