Lindströmite is a rare lead-copper-bismuth sulfosalt that typically occurs as slender, acicular crystals or fibrous masses within hydrothermal deposits. It is often indistinguishable from bismuthinite in hand samples, typically requiring laboratory methods like X-ray diffraction or microprobe analysis for positive identification.
Is this lindströmite?
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 lindströmite with a known reference. Lindströmite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lindströmite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lindströmite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, steel-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous, massive.
Often confused with
Lindströmite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Lindströmite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Lindströmite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs, so Lindströmite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Lindströmite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs, so Lindströmite leaves black, Emplectite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside lindströmite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lindströmite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃Cu₂Bi₇S₁₅
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 6.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Fibrous, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find lindströmite
Classic worldwide localities
- Gladhammar, Sweden
- Berezovsk, Russia
- Moctezuma, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where lindströmite typically forms. If you start seeing bismuthinite, chalcopyrite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find lindströmite on the map
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