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, so 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, 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.