Samsonite is a rare silver sulfosalt that typically occurs as small, dark, metallic prismatic crystals in hydrothermal ore deposits. It is most famously associated with the Andreasberg mining district in Germany, where it was first identified. Collectors prize it for its unique chemical composition and distinct crystalline morphology.
Is this samsonite?
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 samsonite with a known reference. Samsonite 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. Samsonite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Samsonite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, striated.
Often confused with
Samsonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Samsonite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5).
How to tell apart: Samsonite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Samsonite leaves black, Pyrargyrite leaves red; luster reads metallic on Samsonite and metallic to adamantine on Pyrargyrite.
How to tell apart: Samsonite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Samsonite leaves black, Miargyrite leaves cherry-red; luster reads metallic on Samsonite and metallic to submetallic on Miargyrite.
Often found alongside samsonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with samsonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ag₄MnSb₂S₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.62 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Striated
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find samsonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Andreasberg, Harz Mountains, Germany
- Pribram, Czech Republic
- Broken Hill, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where samsonite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrargyrite, galena, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, striated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find samsonite on the map
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