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 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sorbyite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sorbyite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, grayish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.
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 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Sorbyite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves gray-black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Sorbyite leaves black, Boulangerite leaves brownish-gray.
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
- Density
- 6.05 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Alpine-type Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find sorbyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jas Roux, Hautes-Alpes, France
- Binnental, Valais, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal alpine-type veins country — that is the host setting where sorbyite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find sorbyite on the map
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