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, 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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Find berzelianite on the map
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