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, so 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, 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.