Germanocolusite is a rare copper-germanium sulfosalt mineral primarily found in hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposits. Collectors look for its characteristic pinkish-brown metallic luster, which distinguishes it from the more common tennantite and bornite found in the same paragenesis.
Is this germanocolusite?
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 germanocolusite with a known reference. Germanocolusite sits at Mohs 4.5-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, grayish yellow, greenish yellow, olive yellow, cream yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Germanocolusite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Germanocolusite leaves black, Germanite leaves dark gray to black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Germanocolusite leaves black, Tennantite leaves reddish gray.
How to tell apart: Germanocolusite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 3-3.25); streak differs, so Germanocolusite leaves black, Bornite leaves pale grayish black.
Often found alongside germanocolusite
Minerals reported to co-occur with germanocolusite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₉Cu₄VGe₃S₁₆
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 4.55 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, anhedral grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In germanium-rich polymetallic hydrothermal deposits
Where rockhounds find germanocolusite
Classic worldwide localities
- Urup, Karachaevo-Cherkessk district, Northern Caucasus Mountains, Russia (type locality)
- Maykain gold deposit, Pavlodar district, northeastern Kazakhstan
- Chelopech deposit, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Tsumeb, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In germanium-rich polymetallic hydrothermal deposits. If you start seeing renierite, germanite, gallite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify germanocolusite?+
Where is germanocolusite found?+
Is germanocolusite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like germanocolusite?+
What minerals are found with germanocolusite?+
What kind of rock does germanocolusite form in?+
What is germanocolusite used for?+
Find germanocolusite on the map
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