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.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Watkinsonite

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

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Is this watkinsonite?

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 watkinsonite with a known reference. Watkinsonite 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. Watkinsonite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Watkinsonite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, grayish-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Watkinsonite leaves black, Clausthalite leaves gray-black.

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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: Lead-gray Grayish-white
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, 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

How do you identify watkinsonite?+

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

Where is watkinsonite found?+

Notable localities include Otter Lake, Ontario, Canada; Hope's Nose, Torquay, England.

How much is watkinsonite 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 watkinsonite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and selenium; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like watkinsonite?+

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

What minerals are found with watkinsonite?+

Watkinsonite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Clausthalite, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does watkinsonite form in?+

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

What is watkinsonite used for?+

Watkinsonite is used in collector.

Find watkinsonite on the map

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