Teallite is a rare lead-tin sulfide mineral that typically forms as soft, flexible, gray-black platy crystals. It is most frequently found in hydrothermal vein deposits alongside other complex tin-bearing minerals like franckeite and cylindrite. Collectors value it for its metallic luster and its association with the unique mineral assemblages of the Bolivian tin-silver belt.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Teallite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this teallite?

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 teallite with a known reference. Teallite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Teallite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Teallite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, lead-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, lamellar, foliated, or massive aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Teallite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

Often found alongside teallite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbSnS₂
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 6.3-6.4 g/cm³
Colors: Black Lead-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Lamellar, Foliated, Or Massive Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail specimens

Where rockhounds find teallite

Classic worldwide localities

Bolivia (Caracoles, Potosi)
Russia (Primorsky Krai)
Peru (Huancavelica)

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where teallite typically forms. If you start seeing franckeite, cylindrite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, lamellar, foliated, or massive aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify teallite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, lead-gray.

Where is teallite found?+

Notable localities include Bolivia (Caracoles, Potosi); Russia (Primorsky Krai); Peru (Huancavelica).

How much is teallite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is teallite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and tin; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling to prevent ingestion of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like teallite?+

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

What minerals are found with teallite?+

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

What kind of rock does teallite form in?+

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

What is teallite used for?+

Teallite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find teallite on the map

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