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.
Is this athabascaite?
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 athabascaite with a known reference. Athabascaite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, 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: blue gray, gray white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic crystals.
Often confused with
Athabascaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 6.59 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains, microscopic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- As inclusions in and replacements of umangite, as stringers and veinlets in carbonate veins cutting basalt (Martin Lake mine, Canada)
Where rockhounds find athabascaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Martin Lake mine, northeast of Martin Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada (type locality)
- Petrovice uranium deposit, near Ždǎr, Czech Republic
- Předbořice uranium deposit, near Krásna Hora, Czech Republic
- Koksín Hill, near Mitov, Czech Republic
- Chaméane uranium mine, near Vernet-la-Varenne, Puy-de-Dôme, France
- Skrikerum, near Tryserum, Kalmar, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: As inclusions in and replacements of umangite, as stringers and veinlets in carbonate veins cutting basalt (Martin Lake mine, Canada). If you start seeing umangite, clausthalite, eucairite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify athabascaite?+
Where is athabascaite found?+
Is athabascaite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like athabascaite?+
What minerals are found with athabascaite?+
What kind of rock does athabascaite form in?+
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Find athabascaite on the map
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