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 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Anilite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Anilite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray, dark gray, black.
- 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 — Anilite leaves black, Chalcocite leaves lead-gray to black.
How to tell apart: Anilite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Anilite leaves black, Covellite leaves lead gray to black.
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
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.68 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Sulfide Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find anilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Anilcocha mine, Peru
- Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan
- Magma mine, Arizona
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where anilite typically forms. If you start seeing digenite, covellite, chalcocite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find anilite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
