Stibiocolusite is a rare member of the colusite series, typically found as microscopic grains within complex sulfide ores. It is distinguished from similar sulfosalts primarily through electron microprobe analysis rather than visual observation due to its massive habit and metallic grey color.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGermanite Group family

Stibiocolusite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this stibiocolusite?

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 stibiocolusite with a known reference. Stibiocolusite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Stibiocolusite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Stibiocolusite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, brownish-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside stibiocolusite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₁₃V₄Sb₃S₁₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.56 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Brownish-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral to Subhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Vein Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per small specimen

Where rockhounds find stibiocolusite

Classic worldwide localities

Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan
Tsinev, Slovakia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal vein deposits country — that is the host setting where stibiocolusite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, bornite, enargite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify stibiocolusite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, brownish-gray.

Where is stibiocolusite found?+

Notable localities include Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan; Tsinev, Slovakia.

How much is stibiocolusite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is stibiocolusite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and antimony, which are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like stibiocolusite?+

Stibiocolusite is most often confused with Germanite, Colusite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with stibiocolusite?+

Stibiocolusite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Bornite, Enargite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does stibiocolusite form in?+

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

What is stibiocolusite used for?+

Stibiocolusite is used in collector.

Find stibiocolusite on the map

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