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 — that is 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.