Playfairite is a rare lead-antimony sulfosalt typically found as delicate, acicular, or lath-like metallic gray crystals. It is most notable for its occurrences in the Madoc area of Ontario, where it forms in hydrothermal environments. Collectors seek it for its structural complexity and rarity in the sulfosalt mineral group.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSulfosalt family

Playfairite

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

Is this playfairite?

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 playfairite with a known reference. Playfairite 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. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: striated, tabular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Jamesonite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Playfairite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Playfairite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves black. grayish.

How to tell apart: Playfairite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2); streak differs, so Playfairite leaves black, Stibnite leaves lead-gray.

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Often found alongside playfairite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₁₆(Sb,As)₁₉S₄₄Cl
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 5.8 g/cm³
Colors: Lead gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Striated, tabular
Cleavage: {100}, perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: As masses and stringers through dolomitic and calcitic marbles

Where rockhounds find playfairite

Classic worldwide localities

Madoc, Ontario, Canada (type locality)
Novoye, Khaydarkan, Fergana Valley, Alai Range, Kyrgyzstan

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: As masses and stringers through dolomitic and calcitic marbles. If you start seeing boulangerite, jamesonite, antimonian baumhauerite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: striated, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify playfairite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include lead gray, black.

Where is playfairite found?+

Notable localities include Madoc, Ontario, Canada (type locality); Novoye, Khaydarkan, Fergana Valley, Alai Range, Kyrgyzstan.

Is playfairite safe to handle?+

Playfairite contains antimony, arsenic and lead and calls for real care. Contains lead and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid dust inhalation.

What rocks look like playfairite?+

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

What minerals are found with playfairite?+

Playfairite commonly co-occurs with Boulangerite, Jamesonite, Antimonian baumhauerite, Zinkenite, Semseyite, Geocronite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does playfairite form in?+

Where it forms: As masses and stringers through dolomitic and calcitic marbles. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is playfairite used for?+

Playfairite is used in collector.

Find playfairite on the map

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