Playfairite
A variety of Minerals
What is Playfairite?
Playfairite is a rare sulfosalt mineral with chemical formula Pb16Sb18S43 in the monoclinic crystal system, named after the Scottish scientist and mathematician John Playfair. It was discovered in 1966 by the Canadian mineralogist John Leslie Jambor. Lead gray to black in color, its luster is metallic. Playfairite shows strong reflection pleochroism from white to brownish gray. Playfairite has a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on Mohs scale and a specific gravity of approximately 5.72. The type locality is Taylor Pit (Concession XIV; Lot 13), Huntingdon Township, Hastings County in Ontario, Canada. Small deposits have also been found in Les Cougnasses Mine, Orpierre in the Haut-Alpes in France, Khaidarkan Sb-Hg deposit (Chaidarkan), Fergana Valley, Alai Range, Osh Oblast, Kyrgyzstan and Reese River District, Lander County, Nevada, USA.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Playfairite 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.
Playfairite Localities Map
See where Playfairite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Lead gray to black
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5 - 4
- Density
- 5.72 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Pb16(Sb,As)19S44Cl Originally assumed to be Pb16Sb18S43.
- Elements
- As, Cl, Pb, S, Sb
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Playfairite FAQs
How do I identify Playfairite?
Playfairite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale, Lead gray to black color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Playfairite?
Playfairite typically appears in Lead gray to black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Playfairite?
Playfairite has a hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
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