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 — Xilingolite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Xilingolite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — 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 — that is 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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