Dzharkenite is a very rare iron selenide mineral that typically occurs as small, metallic grains within hydrothermal veins. It is visually similar to pyrite but is distinguished by its specific occurrence in selenium-rich environments and its distinct chemical composition.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Dzharkenite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this dzharkenite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch dzharkenite with a known reference. Dzharkenite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dzharkenite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dzharkenite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, blackish-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

Dzharkenite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Pyrite

Mohs 6-6.5

How to tell apart: Pyrite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs, so Dzharkenite leaves black, Pyrite leaves greenish-black to brownish-black.

How to tell apart: Marcasite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs, so Dzharkenite leaves black, Marcasite leaves greyish-black.

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Often found alongside dzharkenite

Minerals reported to co-occur with dzharkenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: FeSe₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 5.35 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Blackish-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Study
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find dzharkenite

Classic worldwide localities

Dzharken, Kazakhstan

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where dzharkenite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, tiemannite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dzharkenite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, blackish-gray.

Where is dzharkenite found?+

Notable localities include Dzharken, Kazakhstan.

How much is dzharkenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is dzharkenite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains selenium, which is toxic; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like dzharkenite?+

Dzharkenite is most often confused with Pyrite, Marcasite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with dzharkenite?+

Dzharkenite commonly co-occurs with Clausthalite, Tiemannite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dzharkenite form in?+

Dzharkenite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is dzharkenite used for?+

Dzharkenite is used in collector, scientific study.

Find dzharkenite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.