Weibullite is a rare lead-bismuth sulfosalt that typically occurs as lead-gray acicular to fibrous crystalline masses within hydrothermal veins. It is most easily identified by its distinctive metallic luster and association with other bismuth-bearing sulfide minerals, often requiring X-ray diffraction for definitive field identification.
Is this weibullite?
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 weibullite with a known reference. Weibullite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Weibullite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Weibullite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Weibullite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside weibullite
Minerals reported to co-occur with weibullite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₆Bi₈(S,Se)₂₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 6.8-7.1 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Aggregates, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find weibullite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sweden
- China
- United States
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where weibullite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find weibullite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
