Mozgovaite is a rare lead-bismuth sulfosalt that typically occurs as slender, acicular crystals or fibrous mats. It is most commonly found in hydrothermal vein systems and is best identified by its metallic lead-gray color and association with other sulfide minerals.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSulfosalt family

Mozgovaite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this mozgovaite?

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 mozgovaite with a known reference. Mozgovaite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mozgovaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mozgovaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, steel-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Mozgovaite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Mozgovaite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.

Often found alongside mozgovaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbBi₄(S,Se)₇
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.02 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Steel-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Fibrous Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Vein Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find mozgovaite

Classic worldwide localities

Mozgova deposit, Slovakia
Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal vein deposits country, the host setting where mozgovaite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mozgovaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, steel-gray.

Where is mozgovaite found?+

Notable localities include Mozgova deposit, Slovakia; Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia.

How much is mozgovaite worth?+

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

Is mozgovaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and bismuth; avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like mozgovaite?+

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

What minerals are found with mozgovaite?+

Mozgovaite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Chalcopyrite, Sphalerite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mozgovaite form in?+

Mozgovaite typically forms in hydrothermal vein deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mozgovaite used for?+

Mozgovaite is used in collector.

Find mozgovaite on the map

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