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 — 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 — that is 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.