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 — 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 — that is 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.