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. Streak: metallic.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead gray, blue black, black, black gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, prismatic, tabular.
Often confused with
Djurleite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Djurleite leaves metallic, Chalcocite leaves blackish lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Djurleite leaves metallic, Digenite leaves grayish black; luster reads metallic on Djurleite and submetallic on Digenite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Djurleite leaves metallic, Covellite leaves lead-gray, shining; luster reads metallic on Djurleite and submetallic, inclining to resinous, somewhat pearly on cleavage; subresinous to dull when massive on Covellite.
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
- 5.63 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Metallic
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, prismatic, tabular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of copper
- Host rock
- With other secondary copper sulfides in enriched zones
Where rockhounds find djurleite
Classic worldwide localities
- Western Cordillera including Butte, Silver Bow Co., Montana, USA
- Bisbee, Cochise Co., Globe-Miami, Gila Co., and the Magma mine, Superior, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA
- Gem mine, San Benito Co., California, USA
- Chihuahua, from Barranca de Cobre (type locality) and at the Salvadora mine, Milpillas, Mexico
- Morococha, Peru
- Tsumeb, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: With other secondary copper sulfides in enriched zones. If you start seeing digenite, bornite, chalcocite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive, prismatic, tabular. 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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