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, so Kobellite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kobellite leaves black, Stibnite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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