Wittichenite is a rare copper bismuth sulfide that typically appears as metallic, steel-gray to tin-white massive aggregates. It is best known by advanced collectors for occurring in specific hydrothermal deposit types, particularly in the Black Forest region of Germany.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Wittichenite

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

Is this wittichenite?

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 wittichenite with a known reference. Wittichenite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wittichenite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Wittichenite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, steel-gray, tin-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, granular, or rare tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Aikinite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Wittichenite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Wittichenite leaves black, Emplectite leaves lead-gray.

Often found alongside wittichenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₃BiS₃
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.2 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Steel-gray Tin-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular, Or Rare Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail specimens

Where rockhounds find wittichenite

Classic worldwide localities

Wittichen, Germany
Tsumeb, Namibia
Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Boliden, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal sulfide veins country, the host setting where wittichenite typically forms. If you start seeing bismuth, bismuthinite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or rare tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify wittichenite?+

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

Where is wittichenite found?+

Notable localities include Wittichen, Germany; Tsumeb, Namibia; Jáchymov, Czech Republic; Boliden, Sweden.

How much is wittichenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is wittichenite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and bismuth, and is often associated with other toxic heavy metals; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust when cutting or grinding. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like wittichenite?+

Wittichenite is most often confused with Aikinite, Emplectite, Tetrahedrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with wittichenite?+

Wittichenite commonly co-occurs with Bismuth, Bismuthinite, Chalcopyrite, Bornite, Tennantite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does wittichenite form in?+

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

What is wittichenite used for?+

Wittichenite is used in collector.

Find wittichenite on the map

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