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 — that is 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.