Proudite is a rare copper-lead-bismuth sulfosalt that typically occurs as slender, acicular crystals or fibrous aggregates. It is most commonly found in high-temperature hydrothermal quartz veins associated with other bismuth-bearing minerals.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Proudite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this proudite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Bismuthinite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Proudite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Proudite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Proudite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside proudite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄Pb₈Bi₂₀S₃₈
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 6.12 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Fibrous, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Quartz Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find proudite

Classic worldwide localities

Proud's mine, Australia
Wolfram Camp, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal quartz veins country, the host setting where proudite typically forms. If you start seeing bismuthinite, galena, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify proudite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, black.

Where is proudite found?+

Notable localities include Proud's mine, Australia; Wolfram Camp, Australia.

How much is proudite 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 proudite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and copper, which are toxic. Handle with care, avoid inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like proudite?+

Proudite is most often confused with Bismuthinite, Galena, Aikinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with proudite?+

Proudite commonly co-occurs with Bismuthinite, Galena, Pyrite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does proudite form in?+

Proudite typically forms in hydrothermal quartz veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is proudite used for?+

Proudite is used in collector.

Find proudite on the map

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