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, 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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