Bukovite is a rare thallium copper selenide mineral typically found as small, opaque grains within hydrothermal selenide ore deposits. Collectors primarily find it in association with other selenide minerals in specific localities such as the type-locality at the Bukov mine in the Czech Republic.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Bukovite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this bukovite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Crookesite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Bukovite leaves black, Crookesite leaves lead-gray.

Often found alongside bukovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Tl₂Cu₃Se₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 7.3 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Gray White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral to Subhedral Grains and Massive
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Selenide Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity

Where rockhounds find bukovite

Classic worldwide localities

Bukov mine, Czech Republic
Skrikerum, Sweden
Taimyr Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal selenide deposits country — that is the host setting where bukovite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, umangite, berzelianite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains and massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bukovite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include dark gray, white.

Where is bukovite found?+

Notable localities include Bukov mine, Czech Republic; Skrikerum, Sweden; Taimyr Peninsula, Russia.

How much is bukovite worth?+

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

Is bukovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains thallium and selenium; handle with gloves, avoid inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like bukovite?+

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

What minerals are found with bukovite?+

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

What kind of rock does bukovite form in?+

Bukovite typically forms in hydrothermal selenide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bukovite used for?+

Bukovite is used in collector.

Find bukovite on the map

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