Meerschautite is a silver copper lead oxide, typically lead-gray to black. It formed in a hydrothermal Pb-Zn-Ag deposit. Associated minerals include barite, boulangerite and pyrite. It was first described from Pizzone stope, Pollone mine, near Valdicastello Carducci, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralcommon

Meerschautite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this meerschautite?

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 meerschautite with a known reference. Meerschautite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Kaolinite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Meerschautite leaves black, Kaolinite leaves white; luster reads metallic on Meerschautite and pearly to dull earthy on Kaolinite.

How to tell apart: Magnesite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4.5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Meerschautite leaves black, Magnesite leaves white; luster reads metallic on Meerschautite and vitreous on Magnesite.

Often found alongside meerschautite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ag,Cu)₅.₅Pb₄₂.₄(Sb,As)₄₅.₁S₁₁₂O₀.₈
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 5.908-5.924 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: Perfect parallel [100]
Rarity: Common
Uses: Decorative, Collector, Carving
Host rock: Formed in a hydrothermal Pb-Zn-Ag deposit

Where rockhounds find meerschautite

Classic worldwide localities

Pizzone stope,Pollone mine, near Valdicastello Carducci, Apuan Alps, Tuscany,Italy

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Formed in a hydrothermal Pb-Zn-Ag deposit. If you start seeing barite, boulangerite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify meerschautite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, black.

Where is meerschautite found?+

Notable localities include Pizzone stope,Pollone mine, near Valdicastello Carducci, Apuan Alps, Tuscany,Italy.

Is meerschautite safe to handle?+

Meerschautite contains antimony, arsenic, copper and lead and calls for real care. Contains antimony, arsenic and lead, which are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

What rocks look like meerschautite?+

Meerschautite is most often confused with Kaolinite, Magnesite, Diatomite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with meerschautite?+

Meerschautite commonly co-occurs with Barite, Boulangerite, Pyrite, Quartz, Sphalerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does meerschautite form in?+

Where it forms: Formed in a hydrothermal Pb-Zn-Ag deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is meerschautite used for?+

Meerschautite is used in decorative, collector, carving.

Find meerschautite on the map

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