Neyite is a rare sulfosalt mineral typically occurring as metallic, lead-gray acicular or lath-like crystals. It is highly prized by collectors of rare sulfides and is predominantly found in complex hydrothermal vein systems alongside other lead and copper minerals.
Is this neyite?
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 neyite with a known reference. Neyite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Neyite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Neyite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous aggregates, bladed crystals.
Often confused with
Neyite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Neyite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Neyite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Neyite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside neyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with neyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₇Cu₂Bi₆S₁₇
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 6.87 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Aggregates, Bladed Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find neyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ney mine, British Columbia, Canada
- Binnental, Switzerland
- Bolivia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where neyite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous aggregates, bladed crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify neyite?+
Where is neyite found?+
How much is neyite worth?+
Is neyite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like neyite?+
What minerals are found with neyite?+
What kind of rock does neyite form in?+
What is neyite used for?+
Find neyite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
