Alburnite is a rare silver germanium sulfotelluride found in low-temperature hydrothermal epithermal deposits. It typically occurs as small, metallic black anhedral grains associated with other sulfide and telluride minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareArgyrodite Group family

Alburnite

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

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Is this alburnite?

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 alburnite with a known reference. Alburnite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Alburnite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Alburnite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside alburnite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₈GeTe₂S₄
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Epithermal Veins
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find alburnite

Classic worldwide localities

Alburn, Romania

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify alburnite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, dark gray.

Where is alburnite found?+

Notable localities include Alburn, Romania.

How much is alburnite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is alburnite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains silver, germanium, tellurium, and sulfur. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like alburnite?+

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

What minerals are found with alburnite?+

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

What kind of rock does alburnite form in?+

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

What is alburnite used for?+

Alburnite is used in collector.

Find alburnite on the map

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