Schapbachite is a rare silver bismuth sulfide typically occurring in hydrothermal ore deposits. It is often found as massive or fine-grained aggregates within vein systems alongside other metallic sulfides and is highly prized by collectors for its rare mineral composition.
Is this schapbachite?
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 schapbachite with a known reference. Schapbachite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Schapbachite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Schapbachite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, iron-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive, granular, or fine-grained aggregates.
Often confused with
Schapbachite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside schapbachite
Minerals reported to co-occur with schapbachite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- AgBiS₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 6.9-7.1 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Or Fine-grained Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find schapbachite
Classic worldwide localities
- Schapbach, Germany
- Matildine mine, Peru
- Tasna, Bolivia
- Broken Hill, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where schapbachite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, bismuthinite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or fine-grained aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find schapbachite on the map
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