Berzelianite is a rare copper selenide mineral typically found as metallic, grey to silver-white crusts or massive aggregates. It is primarily identified by its association with other rare selenium-bearing minerals in hydrothermal vein deposits. Due to its selenium content, collectors should handle specimens with care and avoid generating dust.
Is this berzelianite?
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 berzelianite with a known reference. Berzelianite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Berzelianite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Berzelianite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, dendritic, or as crusts.
Often confused with
Berzelianite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside berzelianite
Minerals reported to co-occur with berzelianite. 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
- Density
- 6.7-6.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Dendritic, Or as Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Selenide Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find berzelianite
Classic worldwide localities
- Skrikerum, Sweden
- Sierra de Umango, Argentina
- Trogtal, Germany
- Hope's Nose, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal selenide deposits country — that is the host setting where berzelianite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, crookesite, eucairite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, dendritic, or as crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify berzelianite?+
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How much is berzelianite worth?+
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What rocks look like berzelianite?+
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Find berzelianite on the map
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