Parasterryite is a rare sulfosalt mineral found primarily in hydrothermal vein deposits. It is best identified by its metallic, lead-gray acicular crystal habit and its association with other complex lead-antimony sulfides.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareLillianite Homologous Series family

Parasterryite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this parasterryite?

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 parasterryite with a known reference. Parasterryite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parasterryite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Parasterryite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, iron-black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular to prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Parasterryite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Parasterryite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Parasterryite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves gray-black.

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Often found alongside parasterryite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₄Pb₄Sb₁₀S₂₃
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 6.45 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Iron-black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular to Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find parasterryite

Classic worldwide localities

Wolfsberg, Germany
Bolivia
Romania

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where parasterryite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, stibnite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular to prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify parasterryite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, iron-black.

Where is parasterryite found?+

Notable localities include Wolfsberg, Germany; Bolivia; Romania.

How much is parasterryite 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 parasterryite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust during preparation or cleaning. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like parasterryite?+

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

What minerals are found with parasterryite?+

Parasterryite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Stibnite, Pyrite, Sphalerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does parasterryite form in?+

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

What is parasterryite used for?+

Parasterryite is used in collector.

Find parasterryite on the map

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