Drysdallite is a rare molybdenum selenide mineral that looks very similar to molybdenite but typically occurs in distinct selenium-rich environments. It is characterized by its soft, flexible, and sectile nature, often forming platy or foliated aggregates that can be easily mistaken for graphite or molybdenite without chemical analysis.
Is this drysdallite?
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 drysdallite with a known reference. Drysdallite sits at Mohs 1-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Drysdallite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Drysdallite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: foliated, platy, lamellar aggregates.
Often confused with
Drysdallite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside drysdallite
Minerals reported to co-occur with drysdallite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MoSe₂
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 6.14 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Foliated, Platy, Lamellar Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find drysdallite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kukheurt Mountain, Russia
- Sierra de Cuchumatanes, Guatemala
- Cerro de Mercado, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where drysdallite typically forms. If you start seeing molybdenite, selenide minerals, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a foliated, platy, lamellar aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find drysdallite on the map
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