Litochlebite is an extremely rare silver lead bismuth selenide mineral first discovered in the Příbram mining district. It typically occurs as small, metallic anhedral grains embedded within selenide-rich hydrothermal veins. Due to its scarcity and complex composition, it is a highly prized species for advanced systematic mineral collectors.
Is this litochlebite?
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 litochlebite with a known reference. Litochlebite 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. Litochlebite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Litochlebite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, iron-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Litochlebite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Litochlebite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Litochlebite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Litochlebite leaves black, Tetradymite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Litochlebite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Litochlebite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside litochlebite
Minerals reported to co-occur with litochlebite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ag₂Pb₄Bi₄Se₉
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 7.38 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find litochlebite
Classic worldwide localities
- Příbram, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where litochlebite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, galena, berzelianite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify litochlebite?+
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How much is litochlebite worth?+
Is litochlebite safe to handle?+
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Find litochlebite on the map
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