Watkinsonite is a rare lead-copper-bismuth selenide mineral typically found as microscopic grains embedded in other sulfide or selenide minerals. It is primarily identified through mineralogical analysis, such as electron microprobe or X-ray diffraction, as it rarely forms distinct macroscopic crystals.
Is this watkinsonite?
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 watkinsonite with a known reference. Watkinsonite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Watkinsonite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Watkinsonite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, grayish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic inclusions.
Often confused with
Watkinsonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside watkinsonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with watkinsonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbCu₂Pb(Bi,Pb)₄Se₈
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 7.35 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Microscopic Inclusions
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find watkinsonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Otter Lake, Ontario, Canada
- Hope's Nose, Torquay, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where watkinsonite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, clausthalite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, microscopic inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find watkinsonite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
