Djurleite is a copper sulfide mineral that is frequently overlooked as it visually resembles chalcocite. It typically occurs as secondary enrichment in copper deposits and is best identified through X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis due to its striking similarity to other copper sulfides.
Is this djurleite?
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 djurleite with a known reference. Djurleite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Djurleite leaves a lead-gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Djurleite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, dark blue, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, granular, or thin tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Djurleite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Djurleite leaves lead-gray, Chalcocite leaves lead-gray to black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Djurleite leaves lead-gray, Digenite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Djurleite leaves lead-gray, Covellite leaves lead gray to black.
Often found alongside djurleite
Minerals reported to co-occur with djurleite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃₁S₁₆
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 6.3-6.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- Lead-gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Or Thin Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of Copper
- Host rock
- Supergene Copper Deposits, Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $15-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find djurleite
Classic worldwide localities
- Djurle, Sweden
- Butte, Montana, USA
- Chuquicamata, Chile
- Tsumeb, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in supergene copper deposits, hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where djurleite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcocite, bornite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or thin tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find djurleite on the map
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