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 — 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 — that is 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.