Plumbostannite is a complex sulfide mineral associated with tin and lead deposits. It is typically found in black, tabular crystals or as granular masses within hydrothermal veins, primarily known from mining regions in Argentina.
Is this plumbostannite?
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 plumbostannite with a known reference. Plumbostannite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Plumbostannite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Plumbostannite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2.5-2.75); streak differs, so Plumbostannite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Plumbostannite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 1.5).
How to tell apart: Plumbostannite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2.5-3); streak differs, so Plumbostannite leaves black, Franckeite leaves grayish black.
Often found alongside plumbostannite
Minerals reported to co-occur with plumbostannite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃Sn₄FeSb₂S₁₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 6.05 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, massive, granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- hydrothermal vein deposits
Where rockhounds find plumbostannite
Classic worldwide localities
- Pirquitas mine, Argentina
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: hydrothermal vein deposits. If you start seeing galena, cassiterite, siderite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify plumbostannite?+
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Is plumbostannite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like plumbostannite?+
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Find plumbostannite on the map
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