Cattierite is a rare cobalt sulfide belonging to the pyrite group, often found as small octahedral or cubic crystals. It is typically associated with copper-cobalt deposits and uranium mineralization. Collectors look for its characteristic dark gray metallic luster in association with other rare sulfide species.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePyrite Group family

Cattierite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this cattierite?

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 cattierite with a known reference. Cattierite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cattierite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Cattierite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark gray, grayish white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral, cubic crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pyrite

Mohs 6-6.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Cattierite leaves black, Pyrite leaves greenish-black to brownish-black.

Often found alongside cattierite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CoS₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 6.2 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Gray Grayish White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral, Cubic Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find cattierite

Classic worldwide localities

Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Kamsdorf, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal sulfide veins country — that is the host setting where cattierite typically forms. If you start seeing carrollite, linnaeite, uraninite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral, cubic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify cattierite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include dark gray, grayish white.

Where is cattierite found?+

Notable localities include Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Kamsdorf, Germany.

How much is cattierite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is cattierite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains cobalt and sulfur; avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like cattierite?+

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

What minerals are found with cattierite?+

Cattierite commonly co-occurs with Carrollite, Linnaeite, Uraninite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does cattierite form in?+

Cattierite typically forms in hydrothermal sulfide veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is cattierite used for?+

Cattierite is used in collector.

Find cattierite on the map

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