Senandorite is a rare sulfosalt mineral primarily known from high-temperature hydrothermal vein deposits in Bolivia. It typically presents as metallic, striated, steel-grey to black crystals often associated with other complex sulfide minerals.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarenull family

Senandorite

Also: Andorite VI

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this senandorite?

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 senandorite with a known reference. Senandorite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Senandorite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Senandorite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, dark gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: short prismatic crystals, striated, massive.

Often confused with

Senandorite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Jamesonite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Senandorite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves gray-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Senandorite leaves black, Bournonite leaves steel-gray.

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Often found alongside senandorite

Minerals reported to co-occur with senandorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: PbAgSb₃S₆
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 5.45 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Dark Gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Short Prismatic Crystals, Striated, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find senandorite

Classic worldwide localities

Oruro Department, Bolivia
San Jose Mine, Oruro, Bolivia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where senandorite typically forms. If you start seeing stannite, siderite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a short prismatic crystals, striated, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify senandorite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, dark gray, black.

Where is senandorite found?+

Notable localities include Oruro Department, Bolivia; San Jose Mine, Oruro, Bolivia.

How much is senandorite 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 senandorite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or ingesting particles. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like senandorite?+

Senandorite is most often confused with Jamesonite, Bournonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with senandorite?+

Senandorite commonly co-occurs with Stannite, Siderite, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does senandorite form in?+

Senandorite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is senandorite used for?+

Senandorite is used in collector.

Find senandorite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.