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, so 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, 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.