Paarite is an extremely rare lead-copper-bismuth sulfosalt named after its type locality in the Binn Valley, Switzerland. It typically occurs as small, elongated, striated metallic prisms associated with other rare sulfosalts in dolomite cavities.
Is this paarite?
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 paarite with a known reference. Paarite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paarite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paarite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, iron-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic, elongated, striated crystals.
Often confused with
Paarite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Paarite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Paarite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Paarite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Paarite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Paarite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs — Paarite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside paarite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paarite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₁․₇Pb₁․₇Bi₆․₃S₁₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.08 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic, Elongated, Striated Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Dolomitic Marble Cavities
- Typical price
- $100-800 per specimen depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find paarite
Classic worldwide localities
- Paara, Binn Valley, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in dolomitic marble cavities country — that is the host setting where paarite typically forms. If you start seeing dolomite, quartz, bismuthinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic, elongated, striated crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find paarite on the map
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