Vihorlatite is a rare lead-bismuth telluride-sulfide mineral first identified in the Vihorlat Mountains of Slovakia. It typically occurs as small metallic grains or tabular crystals within epithermal vein systems associated with other bismuth minerals.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSulfosalt family

Vihorlatite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this vihorlatite?

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 vihorlatite with a known reference. Vihorlatite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vihorlatite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vihorlatite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Tetradymite

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vihorlatite leaves black, Tetradymite leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vihorlatite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside vihorlatite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Bi₂Pb₄Te₇S₃
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 7.35 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect On {0001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Epithermal Quartz-sulfide Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find vihorlatite

Classic worldwide localities

Vihorlat Mountains, Slovakia

Field-hunting tip

Look in epithermal quartz-sulfide veins country — that is the host setting where vihorlatite typically forms. If you start seeing tetradymite, galena, gold 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 vihorlatite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, silver-white.

Where is vihorlatite found?+

Notable localities include Vihorlat Mountains, Slovakia.

How much is vihorlatite 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 vihorlatite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and bismuth; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest or inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vihorlatite?+

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

What minerals are found with vihorlatite?+

Vihorlatite commonly co-occurs with Tetradymite, Galena, Gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vihorlatite form in?+

Vihorlatite typically forms in epithermal quartz-sulfide veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vihorlatite used for?+

Vihorlatite is used in collector.

Find vihorlatite on the map

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