Pirquitasite is a rare silver-zinc-tin sulfide mineral typically occurring in hydrothermal veins. Collectors look for its dark metallic appearance, though it is often found as microscopic inclusions or fine-grained masses associated with other sulfosalts in tin-bearing deposits.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Pirquitasite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this pirquitasite?

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 pirquitasite with a known reference. Pirquitasite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pirquitasite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Pirquitasite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside pirquitasite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₂ZnSnS₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 4.67 g/cm³
Colors: Black Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Tin-silver Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find pirquitasite

Classic worldwide localities

Pirquitas Mine, Jujuy Province, Argentina
Bolivia
Japan

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal tin-silver deposits country — that is the host setting where pirquitasite typically forms. If you start seeing cassiterite, sphalerite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify pirquitasite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, gray.

Where is pirquitasite found?+

Notable localities include Pirquitas Mine, Jujuy Province, Argentina; Bolivia; Japan.

How much is pirquitasite 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 pirquitasite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains silver, zinc, tin, and sulfur; handle with care to avoid inhalation of dust during cleaning or specimen preparation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like pirquitasite?+

Pirquitasite is most often confused with Stannite, Famatinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with pirquitasite?+

Pirquitasite commonly co-occurs with Cassiterite, Sphalerite, Pyrite, Arsenopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pirquitasite form in?+

Pirquitasite typically forms in hydrothermal tin-silver deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is pirquitasite used for?+

Pirquitasite is used in collector.

Find pirquitasite on the map

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