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. Cameronite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Cameronite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brass-yellow, pale gold.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: granular.

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 — Cameronite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cameronite leaves black, Gold leaves golden 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: 6.8 g/cm³
Colors: Brass-yellow Pale Gold
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find cameronite

Classic worldwide localities

Good Hope mine, Colorado, USA
Vulcan, Colorado, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where cameronite typically forms. If you start seeing petzite, coloradoite, altaite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify cameronite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include brass-yellow, pale gold.

Where is cameronite found?+

Notable localities include Good Hope mine, Colorado, USA; Vulcan, Colorado, USA.

How much is cameronite worth?+

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

Is cameronite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and copper; avoid inhalation of dust when polishing or breaking samples. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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 Petzite, Coloradoite, Altaite, Chalcopyrite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does cameronite form in?+

Cameronite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. 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.