Launayite is a rare sulfosalt mineral primarily found in high-temperature hydrothermal deposits within dolomite. It is typically identified by its metallic, lead-gray tabular crystals and is frequently associated with other lead-arsenic sulfosalts in localities like the Lengenbach Quarry.
Is this launayite?
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 launayite with a known reference. Launayite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular to acicular crystals, often as striated prisms or in clusters.
Often confused with
Launayite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Launayite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5).
How to tell apart: Launayite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Launayite leaves black, Plagionite leaves blackish lead-gray, deep red-brown.
Often found alongside launayite
Minerals reported to co-occur with launayite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuPb₁₀(Sb,As)₁₃S₃₀
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 5.75 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to acicular crystals, often as striated prisms or in clusters
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100} and {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Of hydrothermal origin, in marbles
Where rockhounds find launayite
Classic worldwide localities
- Madoc, Ontario, Canada (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Of hydrothermal origin, in marbles. If you start seeing veenite, boulangerite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular to acicular crystals, often as striated prisms or in clusters. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify launayite?+
Where is launayite found?+
Is launayite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like launayite?+
What minerals are found with launayite?+
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Find launayite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
