Anilite is a rare copper sulfide mineral typically found in intimate intergrowths with other copper sulfides like digenite. It is rarely found as distinct crystals and is usually identified through laboratory analysis of massive, metallic grey ore samples. Collectors prize it as a rare species within complex sulfide assemblages.
Is this anilite?
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 anilite with a known reference. Anilite sits at Mohs ~3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bluish gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Anilite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Anilite leaves black, Digenite leaves grayish black; luster reads metallic on Anilite and submetallic on Digenite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Anilite leaves black, Chalcocite leaves blackish lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Anilite is noticeably harder (Mohs ~3 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs, so Anilite leaves black, Covellite leaves lead-gray, shining; luster reads metallic on Anilite and submetallic, inclining to resinous, somewhat pearly on cleavage; subresinous to dull when massive on Covellite.
Often found alongside anilite
Minerals reported to co-occur with anilite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₇S₄
- Mohs hardness
- ~3
- Density
- 5.68 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, anhedral grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a drusy quartz vein (Ani mine, Japan); in a Kuroko ore deposit (Matsumine mine, Japan)
Where rockhounds find anilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Akita Prefecture, from the Ani mine (type locality), and in the Matsumine mine, Japan
- Neudorf, Harz Mountains, Germany
- Found northeast of Zurich, Switzerland
- Lubin and Rudna copper mines, near Legnica, Zechstein copper district, Lower Silesia, Poland
- Bor, Serbia
- Castletown mine, Lochgilphead, Scotland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a drusy quartz vein (Ani mine, Japan); in a Kuroko ore deposit (Matsumine mine, Japan). If you start seeing djurleite, covellite, yarrowite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify anilite?+
Where is anilite found?+
Is anilite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like anilite?+
What minerals are found with anilite?+
What kind of rock does anilite form in?+
What is anilite used for?+
Find anilite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
