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, 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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