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, 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?+
Where is launayite found?+
How much is launayite worth?+
Is launayite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like launayite?+
What minerals are found with launayite?+
What kind of rock does launayite form in?+
What is launayite used for?+
Find launayite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
