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, 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.