Spryite is an extremely rare silver-antimony oxide mineral typically found in complex hydrothermal ore deposits. It is known for its distinct yellowish tabular crystals and is primarily a prize for advanced mineralogists and systematic collectors.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Pale Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Spryite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Pale Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this spryite?

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 spryite with a known reference. Spryite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Spryite leaves a pale yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Spryite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.

Often found alongside spryite

Minerals reported to co-occur with spryite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₄SbO₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 5.38 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: Pale Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Polymetallic Deposits
Typical price: $200-1000+ for rare specimens

Where rockhounds find spryite

Classic worldwide localities

Tetiuhe, Primorsky Krai, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits country, the host setting where spryite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, sphalerite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify spryite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is pale yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange.

Where is spryite found?+

Notable localities include Tetiuhe, Primorsky Krai, Russia.

How much is spryite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000+ for rare specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is spryite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains silver and antimony; handle with care to avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What minerals are found with spryite?+

Spryite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does spryite form in?+

Spryite typically forms in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is spryite used for?+

Spryite is used in collector.

Find spryite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.