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.
Is this makovickyite?
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 makovickyite with a known reference. Makovickyite 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. Streak: gray.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: compact, granular.
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 gray, Lillianite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Makovickyite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5-2.75); streak differs, so Makovickyite leaves gray, Galena leaves lead-gray.
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
- Cu₁.₁₂Ag₀.₈₁Pb₀.₂₇Bi₅.₃₅S₉
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.7 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Compact, granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Among other bismuth-bearing sulfosalts in a dolomite skarn (Băiţa, Romania); in a hydrothermal tungsten deposit in amphibolites and felsic gneisses, in discordant quartz veins (Felbertal mine, Austria)
Where rockhounds find makovickyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Felbertal tungsten mine, Salzburg, Austria
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Among other bismuth-bearing sulfosalts in a dolomite skarn (Băiţa, Romania); in a hydrothermal tungsten deposit in amphibolites and felsic gneisses, in discordant quartz veins (Felbertal mine, Austria). If you start seeing chalcopyrite, hammarite, bismuthinite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: compact, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find makovickyite on the map
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