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, so Zoubekite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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.