Chaméanite is a very rare copper-silver selenide mineral that typically occurs as tiny grains in hydrothermal deposits. It was first identified in the Chaméane area of France and is primarily a study specimen for advanced mineral collectors due to its restricted locality and rarity.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Chaméanite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this chaméanite?

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 chaméanite with a known reference. Chaméanite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chaméanite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chaméanite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Clausthalite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Chaméanite leaves black, Clausthalite leaves gray-black.

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Often found alongside chaméanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Cu,Ag)₉Se₈
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 7.3 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find chaméanite

Classic worldwide localities

Chaméane, Puy-de-Dôme, France

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where chaméanite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, uraninite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chaméanite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include dark gray, black.

Where is chaméanite found?+

Notable localities include Chaméane, Puy-de-Dôme, France.

How much is chaméanite 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 chaméanite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains selenium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; handle with care and wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like chaméanite?+

Chaméanite is most often confused with Clausthalite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chaméanite?+

Chaméanite commonly co-occurs with Clausthalite, Uraninite, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chaméanite form in?+

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

What is chaméanite used for?+

Chaméanite is used in collector.

Find chaméanite on the map

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