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 — that is 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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