Součekite is a rare copper-lead-bismuth sulfide that typically occurs as microscopic grains within complex polymetallic ores. It is primarily found in hydrothermal vein systems and is prized by advanced mineral collectors for its unique compositional chemistry.
Is this součekite?
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 součekite with a known reference. Součekite sits at Mohs 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.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Součekite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Součekite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2.5-2.75); streak differs, so Součekite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Součekite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2.5-3); streak differs, so Součekite leaves black, Bournonite leaves steel-gray to iron-black; luster reads metallic on Součekite and brilliant to dull on Bournonite.
Often found alongside součekite
Minerals reported to co-occur with součekite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuPbBi(S,Se)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 7.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In hydrothermal quartz-carbonate veins (Oldřichov, Czech Republic); in a vein-type uranium deposit with other tellurides and selenides (Otish Mountains deposit, Canada)
Where rockhounds find součekite
Classic worldwide localities
- Oldřichov, near Tachov, Czech Republic (type locality)
- Beregove and Muzhieve deposits, Ukraine
- Otish Mountains uranium deposit, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In hydrothermal quartz-carbonate veins (Oldřichov, Czech Republic); in a vein-type uranium deposit with other tellurides and selenides (Otish Mountains deposit, Canada). If you start seeing poubaite, galena, clausthalite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify součekite?+
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What rocks look like součekite?+
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Find součekite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
