Makovickyite is a rare sulfosalt mineral primarily found in hydrothermal vein systems associated with other sulfide minerals. It typically appears as lead-gray to tin-white metallic masses and is often identified through specialized analytical techniques like microprobe analysis due to its visual similarity to other complex lead-bismuth sulfosalts.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGustavite-Lillianite Series family

Makovickyite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this makovickyite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch makovickyite with a known reference. Makovickyite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Makovickyite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Makovickyite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, tin-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Makovickyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Makovickyite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

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Often found alongside makovickyite

Minerals reported to co-occur with makovickyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₁₁Cu₁Pb₁Bi₁₅S₂₈
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 7.35 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Tin-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per micro-mount or small specimen

Where rockhounds find makovickyite

Classic worldwide localities

Sweden
China
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where makovickyite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, bismuthinite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify makovickyite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, tin-white.

Where is makovickyite found?+

Notable localities include Sweden; China; Russia.

How much is makovickyite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per micro-mount or small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is makovickyite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and bismuth; handle with care and wash hands after handling to avoid heavy metal exposure. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like makovickyite?+

Makovickyite is most often confused with Gustavite, Lillianite, Galena. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with makovickyite?+

Makovickyite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Bismuthinite, Chalcopyrite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does makovickyite form in?+

Makovickyite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is makovickyite used for?+

Makovickyite is used in collector.

Find makovickyite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.