Pilsenite is a rare bismuth telluride mineral that typically appears as lead-gray to silver-white metallic flakes or tabular crystals. It is most frequently found in hydrothermal gold deposits where it is often associated with other tellurides and sulfides. Collectors should note its perfect basal cleavage and distinct metallic luster, which make it look remarkably similar to other members of the tetradymite group.
Is this pilsenite?
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 pilsenite with a known reference. Pilsenite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pilsenite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pilsenite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, silver-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, foliated masses, or disseminated grains.
Often confused with
Pilsenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside pilsenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pilsenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Bi₄Te₃
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5-2
- Density
- 8.1-8.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Foliated Masses, Or Disseminated Grains
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Gold-bearing Quartz Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find pilsenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Transylvania, Romania
- Boliden, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal gold-bearing quartz veins country — that is the host setting where pilsenite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, pyrite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, foliated masses, or disseminated grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pilsenite?+
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How much is pilsenite worth?+
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Find pilsenite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
