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 — Neyite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Neyite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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
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Find neyite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
