Viaeneite is a rare iron-lead sulfide-oxide mineral that occurs as black, microcrystalline crusts. It was discovered in the Engis zinc-lead deposit in Belgium, typically forming in association with other sulfide minerals in limestone.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Viaeneite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this viaeneite?

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 viaeneite with a known reference. Viaeneite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Viaeneite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Viaeneite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pyrite

Mohs 6-6.5

How to tell apart: Pyrite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 3-3.5); streak differs, so Viaeneite leaves black, Pyrite leaves greenish-black to brownish-black.

How to tell apart: Marcasite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 3-3.5); streak differs, so Viaeneite leaves black, Marcasite leaves greyish-black.

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Often found alongside viaeneite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Fe,Pb)₄S₈O
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 4.6-4.7 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Microcrystalline Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Carbonate Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find viaeneite

Classic worldwide localities

Engis, Liege Province, Belgium

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary carbonate rocks country, the host setting where viaeneite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, marcasite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify viaeneite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black.

Where is viaeneite found?+

Notable localities include Engis, Liege Province, Belgium.

How much is viaeneite 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 viaeneite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and iron sulfides; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or prolonged skin contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like viaeneite?+

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

What minerals are found with viaeneite?+

Viaeneite commonly co-occurs with Pyrite, Marcasite, Galena, Sphalerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does viaeneite form in?+

Viaeneite typically forms in sedimentary carbonate rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is viaeneite used for?+

Viaeneite is used in collector.

Find viaeneite on the map

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