Gallite is a very rare copper-gallium sulfide that typically occurs as microscopic inclusions or fine-grained masses within other sulfide ores. Collectors generally find it in material originating from the Tsumeb mine in Namibia, where it is often associated with other rare germanium-bearing minerals.
Is this gallite?
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 gallite with a known reference. Gallite 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. Gallite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Gallite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray, dark gray, blackish-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Gallite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Gallite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Gallite leaves black, Sphalerite leaves white to yellow-brown; luster reads metallic on Gallite and resinous to submetallic on Sphalerite.
Often found alongside gallite
Minerals reported to co-occur with gallite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuGaS₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 4.35 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Polymetallic Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find gallite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Kippen, Germany
- Kopparberg, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposits country — that is the host setting where gallite typically forms. If you start seeing tennantite, germanite, bornite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find gallite on the map
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