Laitakarite is a rare bismuth selenide sulfide mineral typically found in hydrothermal vein deposits. It is best identified by its metallic, lead-gray color and perfect basal cleavage, often appearing as small lamellar or tabular crystals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Laitakarite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Gray
Transparency: Opaque

Is this laitakarite?

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 laitakarite with a known reference. Laitakarite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Laitakarite leaves a gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Laitakarite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, tin-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: lamellar or tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Bismuthinite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Laitakarite leaves gray, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Laitakarite leaves gray, Tetradymite leaves lead-gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside laitakarite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Bi₄Se₂S
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 8.06 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Tin-white
Streak: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Lamellar or Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find laitakarite

Classic worldwide localities

Laitakari, Finland
Sweden
China
Kazakhstan

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where laitakarite typically forms. If you start seeing bismuthinite, chalcopyrite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar or tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify laitakarite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is gray. Common colors include lead-gray, tin-white.

Where is laitakarite found?+

Notable localities include Laitakari, Finland; Sweden; China; Kazakhstan.

How much is laitakarite 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 laitakarite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like laitakarite?+

Laitakarite is most often confused with Bismuthinite, Tetradymite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with laitakarite?+

Laitakarite commonly co-occurs with Bismuthinite, Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does laitakarite form in?+

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

What is laitakarite used for?+

Laitakarite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find laitakarite on the map

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