Sphaerobismoite is a rare bismuth oxide mineral typically found in the oxidation zones of bismuth-bearing hydrothermal veins. It often forms thin, platy crystals or radial clusters and is most commonly identified by its high density and pearly luster in the presence of other bismuth species.
Is this sphaerobismoite?
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 sphaerobismoite with a known reference. Sphaerobismoite 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. Sphaerobismoite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sphaerobismoite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellowish-white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Sphaerobismoite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sphaerobismoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sphaerobismoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Bi₂O₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 9.11 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Oxidized Bismuth Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find sphaerobismoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany
- Joachimsthal, Czech Republic
- Bolivia
- Japan
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in oxidized bismuth deposits country — that is the host setting where sphaerobismoite typically forms. If you start seeing bismuth, bismite, bismutite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify sphaerobismoite?+
Where is sphaerobismoite found?+
How much is sphaerobismoite worth?+
Is sphaerobismoite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like sphaerobismoite?+
What minerals are found with sphaerobismoite?+
What kind of rock does sphaerobismoite form in?+
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Find sphaerobismoite on the map
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