Athabascaite is a rare copper selenide mineral typically found as massive, silver-white grains within hydrothermal ore deposits. It is best identified through laboratory analysis of its metallic luster and distinct chemical composition, as it often appears visually similar to other copper selenide species.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Athabascaite

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

Is this athabascaite?

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 athabascaite with a known reference. Athabascaite 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. Athabascaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Athabascaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Athabascaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2).

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Often found alongside athabascaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₅Se₄
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 8.55 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Massive, Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Vein Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and provenance

Where rockhounds find athabascaite

Classic worldwide localities

Athabasca region, Saskatchewan, Canada
Tien Shan, Uzbekistan
Hope's Nose, Devon, England

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal vein deposits country — that is the host setting where athabascaite typically forms. If you start seeing klockmannite, umangite, clausthalite 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

How do you identify athabascaite?+

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

Where is athabascaite found?+

Notable localities include Athabasca region, Saskatchewan, Canada; Tien Shan, Uzbekistan; Hope's Nose, Devon, England.

How much is athabascaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and provenance. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is athabascaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains selenium, a toxic element. Handle with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like athabascaite?+

Athabascaite is most often confused with Klockmannite, Umangite, Berzelianite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with athabascaite?+

Athabascaite commonly co-occurs with Klockmannite, Umangite, Clausthalite, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does athabascaite form in?+

Athabascaite typically forms in hydrothermal vein deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is athabascaite used for?+

Athabascaite is used in collector.

Find athabascaite on the map

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