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, so 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, 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.