Klaprothite is a rare copper bismuth sulfide mineral historically found in hydrothermal ore deposits. It is typically identified as massive or granular material, often found in association with wittichenite and other bismuth-bearing sulfides, making chemical analysis necessary for definitive identification.
Is this klaprothite?
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 klaprothite with a known reference. Klaprothite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Klaprothite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Klaprothite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: steel-gray, blackish-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, granular, or rarely as indistinct prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Klaprothite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside klaprothite
Minerals reported to co-occur with klaprothite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₆Bi₄S₉
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 4.6-4.7 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Or Rarely as Indistinct Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find klaprothite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria, Germany
- Wittichen, Black Forest, Germany
- Guiting, Gloucestershire, UK
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where klaprothite typically forms. If you start seeing wittichenite, bismuthinite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or rarely as indistinct prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify klaprothite?+
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Find klaprothite on the map
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