Eskebornite is a rare copper iron selenide that typically presents as massive grains or aggregates within hydrothermal vein systems. It is most easily identified by its characteristic brass-yellow color and association with other rare selenium minerals, often requiring X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis for positive identification.
Is this eskebornite?
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 eskebornite with a known reference. Eskebornite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Eskebornite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Eskebornite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brass-yellow, bronze.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Eskebornite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside eskebornite
Minerals reported to co-occur with eskebornite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuFeSe₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 5.02 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Selenide Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail or small specimen
Where rockhounds find eskebornite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tilkerode, Harz Mountains, Germany
- Predborice, Czech Republic
- Sierra de Cacheuta, Argentina
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal selenide deposits country, the host setting where eskebornite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, berzelianite, tiemannite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find eskebornite on the map
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