Verbierite is a very rare thallium-antimony sulfosalt mineral primarily found in specific hydrothermal deposits in the Alps. It is prized by advanced mineral collectors for its chemical complexity and association with other rare minerals in the Binntal-type localities.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSulfosalt family

Verbierite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this verbierite?

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 verbierite with a known reference. Verbierite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Verbierite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Verbierite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Sartorite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Verbierite leaves black, Sartorite leaves chocolate-brown.

Often found alongside verbierite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Tl₅Sb₁₅As₄S₃₆
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 4.67 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Dolomite Marble
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen depending on size and crystal quality

Where rockhounds find verbierite

Classic worldwide localities

Jas Roux, Hautes-Alpes, France
Lengenbach Quarry, Binntal, Switzerland

Field-hunting tip

Look in dolomite marble country — that is the host setting where verbierite typically forms. If you start seeing realgar, pyrite, sartorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify verbierite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include dark gray, black.

Where is verbierite found?+

Notable localities include Jas Roux, Hautes-Alpes, France; Lengenbach Quarry, Binntal, Switzerland.

How much is verbierite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen depending on size and crystal quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is verbierite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains high concentrations of thallium and arsenic, which are toxic. Handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like verbierite?+

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

What minerals are found with verbierite?+

Verbierite commonly co-occurs with Realgar, Pyrite, Sartorite, Baumhauerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does verbierite form in?+

Verbierite typically forms in dolomite marble. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is verbierite used for?+

Verbierite is used in collector.

Find verbierite on the map

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