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

mineralrare

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, so Senandorite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves gray-black.

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

Compare →

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, 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.