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.
Is this mozgovaite?
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 mozgovaite with a known reference. Mozgovaite sits at Mohs 2.5-3.5, 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: silver gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic.
Often confused with
Mozgovaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Mozgovaite leaves gray, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Mozgovaite leaves gray, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Mozgovaite leaves gray, Cosalite leaves black.
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
- PbBi₄S₇
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3.5
- Density
- 6.26 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Very rare, as a sublimate in a volcanic fumarole, deposited at about 600°C
Where rockhounds find mozgovaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Fossa crater, Vulcano, Lipari Islands, Italy (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Very rare, as a sublimate in a volcanic fumarole, deposited at about 600°C. If you start seeing bismuthinite, cannizzarite, lillianite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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What rocks look like mozgovaite?+
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Find mozgovaite on the map
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