Meerschautite is a silver copper lead oxide, typically lead-gray to black. It formed in a hydrothermal Pb-Zn-Ag deposit. Associated minerals include barite, boulangerite and pyrite. It was first described from Pizzone stope, Pollone mine, near Valdicastello Carducci, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy.
Is this meerschautite?
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 meerschautite with a known reference. Meerschautite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Meerschautite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Meerschautite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Meerschautite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Meerschautite leaves black, Kaolinite leaves white; luster reads metallic on Meerschautite and dull on Kaolinite.
How to tell apart: Magnesite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4.5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Meerschautite leaves black, Magnesite leaves white; luster reads metallic on Meerschautite and vitreous on Magnesite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Meerschautite leaves black, Tripoli leaves white; luster reads metallic on Meerschautite and dull on Tripoli.
Often found alongside meerschautite
Minerals reported to co-occur with meerschautite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ag,Cu)₅.₅Pb₄₂.₄(Sb,As)₄₅.₁S₁₁₂O₀.₈
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 5.908-5.924 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect Parallel [100]
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Decorative, Collector, Carving
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Environments Associated with Alteration of Serpentinite
Where rockhounds find meerschautite
Classic worldwide localities
- Pizzone stope, Tuscany, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary environments associated with alteration of serpentinite country, the host setting where meerschautite typically forms. If you start seeing magnesite, dolomite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify meerschautite?+
Where is meerschautite found?+
Is meerschautite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like meerschautite?+
What minerals are found with meerschautite?+
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Find meerschautite on the map
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