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 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Launayite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Launayite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
- 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.
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
- Pb₂₂As₁₂S₃₅
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 6.08 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Acicular Crystals, Often as Striated Prisms or in Clusters
- Cleavage
- Poor On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Dolomitic Rocks in Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find launayite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jas-Roux, France
- Lengenbach Quarry, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in dolomitic rocks in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where launayite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, sartorite, baumhauerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to acicular crystals, often as striated prisms or in clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify launayite?+
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Find launayite on the map
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