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 — Lindströmite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Lindströmite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Lindströmite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Lindströmite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — 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 — that is 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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