Dokuchaevite is an extremely rare copper iron selenide mineral known primarily from its type locality in Kyrgyzstan. Collectors typically seek it out in association with other rare selenide minerals in hydrothermal vein systems, identifying it by its metallic black appearance and specific chemical composition.
Is this dokuchaevite?
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 dokuchaevite with a known reference. Dokuchaevite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dokuchaevite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Dokuchaevite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Dokuchaevite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Chalcopyrite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2); streak differs — Dokuchaevite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.
How to tell apart: Bornite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Dokuchaevite leaves black, Bornite leaves greyish black.
Often found alongside dokuchaevite
Minerals reported to co-occur with dokuchaevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₈Fe₃Se₈
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 5.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Selenide Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find dokuchaevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khaidarkan Sb-Hg deposit, Kyrgyzstan
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal selenide deposits country — that is the host setting where dokuchaevite typically forms. If you start seeing berzelianite, eskebornite, umangite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find dokuchaevite on the map
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