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 — Mozgovaite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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

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