Quatrandorite is a rare sulfosalt mineral primarily found in tin-silver hydrothermal deposits in Bolivia. It is typically identified by its elongated, striated, metallic gray prisms often intergrown with other complex sulfosalts.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAndorite Group family

Quatrandorite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this quatrandorite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Jamesonite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Quatrandorite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves gray-black.

Compare →

Often found alongside quatrandorite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃Ag₃Sb₃S₈
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 5.36 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Blackish-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Striated Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Study
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find quatrandorite

Classic worldwide localities

Oruro, Bolivia
San Jose Mine, Bolivia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where quatrandorite typically forms. If you start seeing stannite, cassiterite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a striated prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify quatrandorite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, blackish-gray.

Where is quatrandorite found?+

Notable localities include Oruro, Bolivia; San Jose Mine, Bolivia.

How much is quatrandorite 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 quatrandorite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or powder. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like quatrandorite?+

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

What minerals are found with quatrandorite?+

Quatrandorite commonly co-occurs with Stannite, Cassiterite, Pyrite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does quatrandorite form in?+

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

What is quatrandorite used for?+

Quatrandorite is used in collector, scientific study.

Find quatrandorite on the map

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