Tungstibite is a rare antimony tungstate mineral usually found as fine-grained, earthy, or pulverulent crusts coating other minerals. It is typically associated with oxidized stibnite deposits and is valued by collectors for its rarity rather than aesthetic display.

Hardness

1.5

Mohs

Luster

Earthy

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Tungstibite

Hardness: 1.5
Luster: Earthy
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Opaque

Is this tungstibite?

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 tungstibite with a known reference. Tungstibite sits at Mohs 1.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tungstibite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tungstibite typically shows a earthy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, earthy, powdery crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Stibiconite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Stibiconite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 1.5); streak differs, so Tungstibite leaves yellow, Stibiconite leaves white; luster reads earthy on Tungstibite and dull on Stibiconite.

How to tell apart: Bindheimite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-4.5 vs. 1.5).

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Often found alongside tungstibite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Sb₂WO₆
Mohs hardness: 1.5
Density: 6.8-6.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-brown
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Earthy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Massive, Earthy, Powdery Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Antimony Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find tungstibite

Classic worldwide localities

Japan
China
Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal antimony deposits country, the host setting where tungstibite typically forms. If you start seeing stibnite, scheelite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, earthy, powdery crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tungstibite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5. It typically shows a earthy luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-brown.

Where is tungstibite found?+

Notable localities include Japan; China; Italy.

How much is tungstibite 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 tungstibite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains antimony, which is toxic. Handle with care, avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or prolonged skin contact, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like tungstibite?+

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

What minerals are found with tungstibite?+

Tungstibite commonly co-occurs with Stibnite, Scheelite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tungstibite form in?+

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

What is tungstibite used for?+

Tungstibite is used in collector.

Find tungstibite on the map

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