Gratonite

A variety of Minerals

Gratonite specimen

What is Gratonite?

Gratonite is a lead-arsenic sulfosalt mineral, with the chemical composition Pb9As4S15. Gratonite was discovered in 1939 at the Excelsior Mine, Cerro de Pasco, Peru. It is named in honor of geologist L. C. Graton (1880–1970), who had a long-standing association with the Cerro de Pasco mines.

Market Value Factors

Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Gratonite before comparing listings or appraisals.

Size & Weight

Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.

Rarity & Demand

Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.

Condition & Finish

Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.

Treatment & Provenance

Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.

Applies to all rocks & minerals.

Gratonite Localities Map

See where Gratonite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview
North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Interactive map layers and collecting notes are available in the app.

More Images

Gratonite specimen
Robert M. Lavinsky

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
Dark lead-gray
Hardness (Mohs)
2.5
Density
6.17 g/cm³
Streak
Black

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
Pb9As4S15
Elements
As, Pb, S
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Gratonite FAQs

How do I identify Gratonite?

Gratonite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, Dark lead-gray color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Gratonite?

Gratonite typically appears in Dark lead-gray. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Gratonite?

Gratonite has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

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