Padĕraite is an extremely rare sulfosalt mineral primarily found in hydrothermal veins. It typically presents as metallic, steel-gray grains or small aggregates embedded within other sulfide ores, making it a prized specimen for advanced collectors of complex bismuth-lead minerals.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarenull family

Padĕraite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this padĕraite?

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 padĕraite with a known reference. Padĕraite 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. Padĕraite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Padĕraite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel-gray, lead-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, interstitial patches.

Often confused with

Padĕraite 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 — Padĕraite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Padĕraite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.

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Often found alongside padĕraite

Minerals reported to co-occur with padĕraite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₆Pb₇Bi₁₉S₃₆
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.85 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray Lead-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Interstitial Patches
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find padĕraite

Classic worldwide localities

Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where padĕraite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, bismuthinite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, interstitial patches habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify padĕraite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include steel-gray, lead-gray.

Where is padĕraite found?+

Notable localities include Jáchymov, Czech Republic; Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia.

How much is padĕraite 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 padĕraite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and bismuth; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest or inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like padĕraite?+

Padĕraite is most often confused with Galena, Wittichenite, Bismuthinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with padĕraite?+

Padĕraite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Bismuthinite, Quartz, Dolomite, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does padĕraite form in?+

Padĕraite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is padĕraite used for?+

Padĕraite is used in collector.

Find padĕraite on the map

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