Chatkalite is a rare copper-iron-tin sulfide mineral typically found as small, opaque metallic grains within complex hydrothermal vein deposits. It is best identified through laboratory analysis of its optical properties and chemical composition, as it closely resembles other common sulfide minerals like stannite.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Chatkalite

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

Is this chatkalite?

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 chatkalite with a known reference. Chatkalite 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. Chatkalite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chatkalite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pinkish-brown, light copper-red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, massive.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Chatkalite leaves black, Bornite leaves greyish black.

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Often found alongside chatkalite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₆FeSn₂S₈
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 5.32 g/cm³
Colors: Pinkish-brown Light Copper-red
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Massive
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find chatkalite

Classic worldwide localities

Chatkal Range, Kyrgyzstan

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal sulfide veins country — that is the host setting where chatkalite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chatkalite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include pinkish-brown, light copper-red.

Where is chatkalite found?+

Notable localities include Chatkal Range, Kyrgyzstan.

How much is chatkalite 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 chatkalite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper, iron, tin, and sulfur; wash hands thoroughly after handling and do not ingest or inhale dust. Contains sulfur and heavy metals, which may be harmful if improperly processed. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like chatkalite?+

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

What minerals are found with chatkalite?+

Chatkalite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Sphalerite, Galena, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chatkalite form in?+

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

What is chatkalite used for?+

Chatkalite is used in collector.

Find chatkalite on the map

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