Bellidoite is a rare copper selenide mineral typically found as microscopic grains or anhedral masses within hydrothermal selenide deposits. It is best identified by its high density and metallic luster, usually requiring X-ray diffraction or electron microprobe analysis for positive field identification due to its similarity to other selenide minerals.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Bellidoite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this bellidoite?

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 bellidoite with a known reference. Bellidoite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bellidoite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bellidoite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microscopic grains, anhedral masses.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside bellidoite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂Se
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 8.85 g/cm³
Colors: Black Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Microscopic Grains, Anhedral Masses
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find bellidoite

Classic worldwide localities

Bellido mine, Argentina
Siekierki, Poland
Predborice, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where bellidoite typically forms. If you start seeing berzelianite, umangite, clausthalite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic grains, anhedral masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bellidoite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, gray.

Where is bellidoite found?+

Notable localities include Bellido mine, Argentina; Siekierki, Poland; Predborice, Czech Republic.

How much is bellidoite worth?+

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

Is bellidoite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains selenium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when grinding or breaking samples. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like bellidoite?+

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

What minerals are found with bellidoite?+

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

What kind of rock does bellidoite form in?+

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

What is bellidoite used for?+

Bellidoite is used in collector.

Find bellidoite on the map

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