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 — Parasterryite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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.