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 — that is 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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