Hakite-(Hg) is a rare selenium-bearing member of the tetrahedrite group, typically forming small metallic tetrahedral crystals. It is primarily found in complex hydrothermal selenide vein systems where it associates with other rare selenium minerals.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareTetrahedrite Group family

Hakite-(Hg)

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

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Is this hakite-(hg)?

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 hakite-(hg) with a known reference. Hakite-(Hg) 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. Hakite-(Hg) leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hakite-(Hg) typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals.

Often confused with

Hakite-(Hg) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside hakite-(hg)

Minerals reported to co-occur with hakite-(hg). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Cu,Hg)₆Cu₄Tl₂Se₁₃
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 5.6-5.8 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Tetrahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Selenide Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find hakite-(hg)

Classic worldwide localities

Predborice, Czech Republic
Hope Bay, Nunavut, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal selenide deposits country — that is the host setting where hakite-(hg) typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, berzelianite, uraninite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tetrahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hakite-(hg)?+

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

Where is hakite-(hg) found?+

Notable localities include Predborice, Czech Republic; Hope Bay, Nunavut, Canada.

How much is hakite-(hg) 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 hakite-(hg) safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and thallium; handle with caution to avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like hakite-(hg)?+

Hakite-(Hg) is most often confused with Tetrahedrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with hakite-(hg)?+

Hakite-(Hg) commonly co-occurs with Clausthalite, Berzelianite, Uraninite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hakite-(hg) form in?+

Hakite-(Hg) typically forms in hydrothermal selenide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hakite-(hg) used for?+

Hakite-(Hg) is used in collector.

Find hakite-(hg) on the map

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