Russellite is a rare bismuth tungstate mineral that typically forms as an oxidation product of bismuth and tungsten minerals. Collectors primarily find it as thin coatings or small masses in weathered veins, characterized by its distinctively high density and yellowish, earthy appearance.
Is this russellite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch russellite with a known reference. Russellite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Russellite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Russellite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive, earthy, or as small crystalline aggregates.
Often confused with
Russellite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside russellite
Minerals reported to co-occur with russellite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Bi₂WO₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 7.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Earthy, Or as Small Crystalline Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins and Oxidation Zones of Tungsten-bismuth Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find russellite
Classic worldwide localities
- Cornwall, England
- San Luis, Argentina
- Guanajuato, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins and oxidation zones of tungsten-bismuth deposits country — that is the host setting where russellite typically forms. If you start seeing wolframite, bismutite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, earthy, or as small crystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify russellite?+
Where is russellite found?+
How much is russellite worth?+
Is russellite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like russellite?+
What minerals are found with russellite?+
What kind of rock does russellite form in?+
What is russellite used for?+
Find russellite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
