Wittite is a rare lead bismuth sulfoselenide that typically forms as lead-gray, foliated, or massive metallic grains. It is most often identified by its association with other bismuth-bearing minerals in hydrothermal or contact metamorphic environments and usually requires laboratory analysis for definitive identification.
Is this wittite?
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 wittite with a known reference. Wittite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wittite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Wittite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, steel-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, foliated, or platy aggregates.
Often confused with
Wittite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside wittite
Minerals reported to co-occur with wittite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₉Bi₆(S,Se)₁₈
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 7.3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Foliated, Or Platy Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins, Contact Metamorphic Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity
Where rockhounds find wittite
Classic worldwide localities
- Falun, Sweden
- Oruro, Bolivia
- Binnental, Switzerland
- Gladhammar, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic deposits country — that is the host setting where wittite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, bismuthinite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, foliated, or platy aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find wittite on the map
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