Lautite is a rare copper arsenic sulfide mineral that typically occurs in low-temperature hydrothermal veins. It often forms steel-gray tabular crystals or metallic massive aggregates and is most recognized for its association with silver and other arsenic-bearing minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Lautite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this lautite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Enargite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Lautite leaves black, Enargite leaves grayish-black.

Compare →

Often found alongside lautite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CuAsS
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 5.9-6.0 g/cm³
Colors: Iron-black Lead-gray Steel-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Distinct On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size

Where rockhounds find lautite

Classic worldwide localities

Lauta, Marienberg, Saxony, Germany
Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Bou Azzer, Morocco

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify lautite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include iron-black, lead-gray, steel-gray.

Where is lautite found?+

Notable localities include Lauta, Marienberg, Saxony, Germany; Jáchymov, Czech Republic; Bou Azzer, Morocco.

How much is lautite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is lautite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when breaking specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like lautite?+

Lautite is most often confused with Enargite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with lautite?+

Lautite commonly co-occurs with Arsenopyrite, Chalcopyrite, Galena, Dolomite, Silver. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lautite form in?+

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

What is lautite used for?+

Lautite is used in collector.

Find lautite on the map

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