Kobellite is a rare sulfosalt mineral found in hydrothermal ore deposits, typically occurring as lead-gray acicular or fibrous crystals. It is chemically complex, often containing varying ratios of bismuth and antimony, and is most prized by mineral collectors for its sharp, needle-like habit.
Is this kobellite?
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 kobellite with a known reference. Kobellite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kobellite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kobellite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous, massive.
Often confused with
Kobellite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kobellite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kobellite leaves black, Stibnite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kobellite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside kobellite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kobellite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂₂Cu₄(Bi,Sb)₃₀S₆₉
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 6.8-6.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Fibrous, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $20-150 for specimens depending on size and association
Where rockhounds find kobellite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hvena mine, Sweden
- Silver Bell mine, Colorado, USA
- Madoc, Ontario, Canada
- Bolivia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where kobellite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kobellite on the map
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