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. Streak: gray.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic.
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 gray, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Xilingolite leaves gray, Bismuthinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Xilingolite leaves gray, Lillianite leaves black.
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
- 7.08 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic
- Cleavage
- None reported
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a skarn-type iron deposit
Where rockhounds find xilingolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chaobuleng district, Xilingola League, Inner Mongolia, China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a skarn-type iron deposit. If you start seeing magnetite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify xilingolite?+
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Find xilingolite on the map
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