Stephanite is a sought-after primary silver sulfide mineral prized by collectors for its sharp, complex pseudo-hexagonal crystal forms. It is typically found in hydrothermal veins associated with other silver-antimony sulfosalts and requires careful handling due to its brittle nature.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineraluncommon

Stephanite

Also: black silver, brittle silver ore

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this stephanite?

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 stephanite with a known reference. Stephanite sits at Mohs 2-2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Stephanite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Stephanite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: iron-black, lead-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, prismatic, often pseudo-hexagonal, massive.

Often confused with

Stephanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside stephanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₅SbS₄
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 6.2-6.3 g/cm³
Colors: Iron-black Lead-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Prismatic, Often Pseudo-hexagonal, Massive
Cleavage: Imperfect
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Historical Silver Ore
Host rock: Epithermal Hydrothermal Silver Veins
Typical price: $20-200 per specimen depending on crystal quality and locality

Where rockhounds find stephanite

Classic worldwide localities

Freiberg, Germany
Příbram, Czech Republic
Guanajuato, Mexico
Chañarcillo, Chile
Cobalt, Ontario, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in epithermal hydrothermal silver veins country — that is the host setting where stephanite typically forms. If you start seeing acanthite, pyrargyrite, proustite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, prismatic, often pseudo-hexagonal, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify stephanite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include iron-black, lead-gray.

Where is stephanite found?+

Notable localities include Freiberg, Germany; Příbram, Czech Republic; Guanajuato, Mexico; Chañarcillo, Chile; Cobalt, Ontario, Canada.

How much is stephanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 per specimen depending on crystal quality and locality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is stephanite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains silver and antimony; avoid inhaling dust while grinding or polishing, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like stephanite?+

Stephanite is most often confused with Polybasite, Pearceite, Argentite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with stephanite?+

Stephanite commonly co-occurs with Acanthite, Pyrargyrite, Proustite, Galena, Sphalerite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does stephanite form in?+

Stephanite typically forms in epithermal hydrothermal silver veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is stephanite used for?+

Stephanite is used in collector, historical silver ore.

Find stephanite on the map

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