Sorbyite is a rare lead-copper-antimony sulfosalt that typically occurs as metallic, lead-gray granular masses within alpine hydrothermal deposits. It is best identified through laboratory analysis such as electron microprobe or X-ray diffraction, as it closely resembles other gray-metallic sulfosalts.
Is this sorbyite?
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 sorbyite with a known reference. Sorbyite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: striated, tabular.
Often confused with
Sorbyite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Sorbyite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Sorbyite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves black. grayish.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Sorbyite leaves black, Boulangerite leaves brownish.
Often found alongside sorbyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sorbyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₁₆Pb₂₆(Sb,As)₂₄S₆₁
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 5.52 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Striated, tabular
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Of hydrothermal origin, in a deposit in marble (Madoc, Canada); in a hydrothermal deposit in limestone, replacing pyrite and sphalerite, with other Pb–As–Sb sulfides (Novoye, Kyrgyzstan)
Where rockhounds find sorbyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Northern Belle and Lucky Strike mines, Candelaria district, Mineral Co., Nevada, USA
- Madoc, Ontario (type locality), Canada
- Novoye, Khaydarkan, Fergana Valley, Alai Range, Kyrgyzstan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Of hydrothermal origin, in a deposit in marble (Madoc, Canada); in a hydrothermal deposit in limestone, replacing pyrite and sphalerite, with other Pb–As–Sb sulfides (Novoye, Kyrgyzstan). If you start seeing boulangerite, jamesonite, antimonian baumhauerite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: striated, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify sorbyite?+
Where is sorbyite found?+
Is sorbyite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like sorbyite?+
What minerals are found with sorbyite?+
What kind of rock does sorbyite form in?+
What is sorbyite used for?+
Find sorbyite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
