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 — 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 — that is 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.