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 — 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 — Dzharkenite leaves black, Marcasite leaves greyish-black.

Compare →

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 — that is 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.