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, so Versiliaite leaves black, Stibnite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Versiliaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Versiliaite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves gray-black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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