Chrisstanleyite is a rare silver-palladium selenide mineral typically found as microscopic grains within hydrothermal deposits. It is primarily identified through laboratory analysis of polished sections and is a highly sought-after prize for specialized collectors of rare ore minerals.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Chrisstanleyite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this chrisstanleyite?

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 chrisstanleyite with a known reference. Chrisstanleyite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chrisstanleyite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chrisstanleyite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, light gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

Chrisstanleyite 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 — Chrisstanleyite leaves black, Clausthalite leaves gray-black.

Often found alongside chrisstanleyite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₂Pd₃Se₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 7.69 g/cm³
Colors: White Light Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $100-500 for micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find chrisstanleyite

Classic worldwide localities

Hope's Nose, Torquay, Devon, England
Komi Republic, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify chrisstanleyite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, light gray.

Where is chrisstanleyite found?+

Notable localities include Hope's Nose, Torquay, Devon, England; Komi Republic, Russia.

How much is chrisstanleyite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is chrisstanleyite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains selenium and silver; handle with care, do not inhale dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like chrisstanleyite?+

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

What minerals are found with chrisstanleyite?+

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

What kind of rock does chrisstanleyite form in?+

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

What is chrisstanleyite used for?+

Chrisstanleyite is used in collector.

Find chrisstanleyite on the map

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