Xilingolite is a rare lead-bismuth sulfosalt mineral typically found in hydrothermal vein deposits. Collectors should look for its distinctive lead-gray metallic appearance, often occurring as small prismatic crystals or embedded grains within sulfide-rich rocks.
Is this xilingolite?
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 xilingolite with a known reference. Xilingolite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Xilingolite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Xilingolite 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: prismatic crystals, grains, massive aggregates.
Often confused with
Xilingolite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Xilingolite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Xilingolite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs, so Xilingolite leaves black, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside xilingolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with xilingolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃Bi₂S₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 6.87 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Grains, Massive Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None Reported
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find xilingolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Xilingol, Inner Mongolia, China
- Gladhammar, Sweden
- Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal ore deposits country, the host setting where xilingolite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, grains, massive aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find xilingolite on the map
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