Pizgrischite is an extremely rare lead-copper-bismuth sulfosalt named after its type locality at Piz Grisch in the Swiss Alps. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains associated with other sulfide minerals in metamorphosed carbonate rocks. Due to its scarcity, it is almost exclusively sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.
Is this pizgrischite?
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 pizgrischite with a known reference. Pizgrischite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pizgrischite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pizgrischite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, massive.
Often confused with
Pizgrischite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Pizgrischite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Pizgrischite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Pizgrischite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2).
Often found alongside pizgrischite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pizgrischite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃Pb₆Bi₇S₁₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per micro-mount
Where rockhounds find pizgrischite
Classic worldwide localities
- Piz Grisch, Switzerland
- Binn Valley, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where pizgrischite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, chalcopyrite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pizgrischite?+
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Find pizgrischite on the map
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