Cameronite is a rare copper silver telluride typically found as microscopic grains within hydrothermal ore deposits. It is best identified by its brassy metallic appearance in polished sections or under microscopic analysis of telluride-rich ores. It is primarily a prize for advanced collectors specializing in rare telluride mineral suites.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Cameronite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this cameronite?

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 cameronite with a known reference. Cameronite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Chalcopyrite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cameronite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cameronite leaves black, Gold leaves yellow.

Compare →

Often found alongside cameronite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₇Ag₅Te₁₀
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 7.144 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains, microscopic crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: One of a number of metallic tellurium-bearing minerals in a hydrothermal deposit

Where rockhounds find cameronite

Classic worldwide localities

Good Hope mine, Vulcan, Gunnison Co., Colorado, USA (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: One of a number of metallic tellurium-bearing minerals in a hydrothermal deposit. If you start seeing tellurium, rickardite, vulcanite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify cameronite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, black.

Where is cameronite found?+

Notable localities include Good Hope mine, Vulcan, Gunnison Co., Colorado, USA (type locality).

Is cameronite safe to handle?+

Cameronite contains copper. Contains tellurium and copper; avoid inhalation of dust when polishing or breaking samples. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like cameronite?+

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

What minerals are found with cameronite?+

Cameronite commonly co-occurs with Tellurium, Rickardite, Vulcanite, Arsenopyrite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does cameronite form in?+

Where it forms: One of a number of metallic tellurium-bearing minerals in a hydrothermal deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is cameronite used for?+

Cameronite is used in collector.

Find cameronite on the map

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