Zoubekite is a very rare lead-silver antimony sulfosalt found primarily in lead-zinc deposits. It is typically found as small, lead-gray granular masses or intergrown with other sulfide minerals in hydrothermal vein systems.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Zoubekite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this zoubekite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch zoubekite with a known reference. Zoubekite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zoubekite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zoubekite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: granular, massive.

Often confused with

Zoubekite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zoubekite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zoubekite leaves black, Bournonite leaves steel-gray.

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Often found alongside zoubekite

Minerals reported to co-occur with zoubekite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: AgPb₄Sb₄S₁₀
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 6.12 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Granular, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find zoubekite

Classic worldwide localities

Příbram, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where zoubekite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, sphalerite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zoubekite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray.

Where is zoubekite found?+

Notable localities include Příbram, Czech Republic.

How much is zoubekite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is zoubekite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like zoubekite?+

Zoubekite is most often confused with Galena, Bournonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with zoubekite?+

Zoubekite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zoubekite form in?+

Zoubekite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zoubekite used for?+

Zoubekite is used in collector.

Find zoubekite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.