Vikingite is a rare sulfosalt mineral primarily identified in hydrothermal environments. It typically forms as delicate, lead-gray acicular or needle-like crystals that often require microscopic examination for positive identification.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareLillianite Homologous Series family

Vikingite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this vikingite?

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 vikingite with a known reference. Vikingite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vikingite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vikingite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, slender prisms, striated.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Vikingite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

Often found alongside vikingite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₅Pb₈Bi₁₃S₃₀
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 6.8 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Slender Prisms, Striated
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find vikingite

Classic worldwide localities

Ivigtut, Greenland
Gudmundstorp, Sweden
Tasna Mine, Bolivia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where vikingite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, slender prisms, striated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vikingite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray.

Where is vikingite found?+

Notable localities include Ivigtut, Greenland; Gudmundstorp, Sweden; Tasna Mine, Bolivia.

How much is vikingite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vikingite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and bismuth; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or prolonged skin contact. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vikingite?+

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

What minerals are found with vikingite?+

Vikingite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Chalcopyrite, Sphalerite, Quartz, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vikingite form in?+

Vikingite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vikingite used for?+

Vikingite is used in collector.

Find vikingite on the map

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