Djerfisherite is a rare potassium-bearing sulfide mineral typically found in alkaline igneous complexes and kimberlite pipes. It is noted for its metallic luster and dark color, often appearing as grains or small cubes embedded in silicate matrix minerals.
Is this djerfisherite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch djerfisherite with a known reference. Djerfisherite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Djerfisherite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Djerfisherite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains, cubic crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Djerfisherite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside djerfisherite
Minerals reported to co-occur with djerfisherite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₆Na(Fe,Cu,Ni)₂₄S₂₆Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Grains, Cubic Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Kimberlites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per small specimen
Where rockhounds find djerfisherite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Kovdor, Russia
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Udachnaya Pipe, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, kimberlites country — that is the host setting where djerfisherite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, sodalite, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains, cubic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify djerfisherite?+
Where is djerfisherite found?+
How much is djerfisherite worth?+
Is djerfisherite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like djerfisherite?+
What minerals are found with djerfisherite?+
What kind of rock does djerfisherite form in?+
What is djerfisherite used for?+
Find djerfisherite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
