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, so Litochlebite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Litochlebite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs, so Litochlebite leaves black, Tetradymite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Litochlebite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs, so 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, 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?+
Where is litochlebite found?+
How much is litochlebite worth?+
Is litochlebite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like litochlebite?+
What minerals are found with litochlebite?+
What kind of rock does litochlebite form in?+
What is litochlebite used for?+
Find litochlebite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
