Majindeite is a rare lead-molybdenum sulfide mineral known primarily from its type locality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It typically occurs as small, black metallic grains associated with other base metal sulfides in sedimentary environments.
Is this majindeite?
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 majindeite with a known reference. Majindeite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Majindeite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Majindeite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains and aggregates.
Often confused with
Majindeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Majindeite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Majindeite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Majindeite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1-1.5); streak differs — Majindeite leaves black, Molybdenite leaves greenish-gray.
Often found alongside majindeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with majindeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbMo₆S₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.12 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains and Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary-hosted Lead-zinc Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find majindeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Majinde, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary-hosted lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where majindeite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains and aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find majindeite on the map
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