Germanite is a rare copper-germanium sulfide mineral typically found in massive form within complex polymetallic ore deposits. It is best identified by its distinctive reddish-brown to grayish-pink metallic luster and its association with other sulfides in Tsumeb-style deposits.
Is this germanite?
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 germanite with a known reference. Germanite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: dark gray to black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic, dull.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, red gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: euhedral crystals, granular.
Often confused with
Germanite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Germanite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 3-3.25); streak differs, so Germanite leaves dark gray to black, Bornite leaves pale grayish black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Germanite leaves dark gray to black, Tennantite leaves reddish gray.
Often found alongside germanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with germanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₂₆Ge₄Fe₄S₃₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 4.46-4.59 g/cm³
- Colors
- BrownRed gray
- Streak
- Dark gray to black
- Luster
- Metallic, dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Euhedral crystals, granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of germanium
- Host rock
- In primary Cu–Pb–Zn ores in a dolostone-hosted hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposit (Tsumeb, Namibia)
Where rockhounds find germanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Inexco #1 mine, Jamestown, Boulder Co., Colorado, USA
- Ruby Creek deposit, Brooks Range, near Bornite, Alaska, USA
- Tsumeb, Namibia (type locality)
- M’Passa, 150 km west of Brazzaville, Congo Republic
- Kipushi, 28 km southwest of Lubumbashi, Katanga Province, Congo (Shaba Province, Zaire)
- Pinar del Rio Province, Cuba
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In primary Cu–Pb–Zn ores in a dolostone-hosted hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposit (Tsumeb, Namibia). If you start seeing reniérite, pyrite, tennantite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: euhedral crystals, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify germanite?+
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Find germanite on the map
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