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.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGermanite Group family

Germanocolusite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this germanocolusite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch germanocolusite with a known reference. Germanocolusite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Germanocolusite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Germanocolusite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pinkish-brown, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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, Bornite leaves greyish black.

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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: Cu₂₆Ge₄As₄S₃₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.56 g/cm³
Colors: Pinkish-brown Brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Massive, Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Polymetallic Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find germanocolusite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb, Namibia
Urupucha, Peru

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits country, the host setting where germanocolusite typically forms. If you start seeing germanite, tennantite, 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

How do you identify germanocolusite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include pinkish-brown, brown.

Where is germanocolusite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb, Namibia; Urupucha, Peru.

How much is germanocolusite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is germanocolusite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and copper; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like germanocolusite?+

Germanocolusite is most often confused with Germanite, Bornite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with germanocolusite?+

Germanocolusite commonly co-occurs with Germanite, Tennantite, Bornite, Galena, Sphalerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does germanocolusite form in?+

Germanocolusite typically forms in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is germanocolusite used for?+

Germanocolusite is used in collector.

Find germanocolusite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.