Suredaite is a rare lead-tin sulfide mineral typically found in complex polymetallic hydrothermal vein systems. It is generally identified by its metallic lead-gray luster and its close association with other sulfosalt minerals in tin-bearing deposits.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Suredaite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this suredaite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Suredaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Suredaite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Suredaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2-2.5).

Often found alongside suredaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbSnS₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 4.87 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral to Subhedral Grains or Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find suredaite

Classic worldwide localities

Jujuy Province, Argentina
Potosi Department, Bolivia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where suredaite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, sphalerite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains or massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify suredaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray.

Where is suredaite found?+

Notable localities include Jujuy Province, Argentina; Potosi Department, Bolivia.

How much is suredaite worth?+

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

Is suredaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead; avoid creating dust while handling or crushing and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like suredaite?+

Suredaite is most often confused with Galena, Cylindrite, Franckeite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with suredaite?+

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

What kind of rock does suredaite form in?+

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

What is suredaite used for?+

Suredaite is used in collector.

Find suredaite on the map

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