Versiliaite is an exceptionally rare sulfosalt mineral primarily found in the Apuan Alps of Italy. It typically forms fine, acicular, needle-like crystals in radiating groups and is best identified by its distinct association with other rare antimony-lead minerals in metamorphosed ore deposits.
Is this versiliaite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch versiliaite with a known reference. Versiliaite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Versiliaite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Versiliaite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays, prismatic.
Often confused with
Versiliaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Versiliaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Versiliaite leaves black, Stibnite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Versiliaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Versiliaite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves gray-black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Versiliaite leaves black, Bournonite leaves steel-gray.
Often found alongside versiliaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with versiliaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Sb₈S₁₇
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 4.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Radiating Sprays, Prismatic
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find versiliaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tuscany, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where versiliaite typically forms. If you start seeing schreyerite, berthierite, stibnite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating sprays, prismatic habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find versiliaite on the map
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