Roshchinite is a rare silver-lead-antimony sulfosalt known primarily from its type locality in Russia. It typically forms microscopic, metallic, black equant crystals in complex hydrothermal sulfide environments, making it a challenging but rewarding find for mineralogists.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePolybasite Group family

Roshchinite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this roshchinite?

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 roshchinite with a known reference. Roshchinite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Roshchinite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Roshchinite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: equant crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside roshchinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₁₉Pb₁₀Sb₃₁S₆₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.45 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Equant Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find roshchinite

Classic worldwide localities

Konstantinovskoye deposit, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify roshchinite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, dark gray.

Where is roshchinite found?+

Notable localities include Konstantinovskoye deposit, Russia.

How much is roshchinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is roshchinite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like roshchinite?+

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

What minerals are found with roshchinite?+

Roshchinite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does roshchinite form in?+

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

What is roshchinite used for?+

Roshchinite is used in collector.

Find roshchinite on the map

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