Hanauerite is a historical name often applied to specific iron-rich varieties of sphalerite found in the Hanau region of Germany. It typically presents as resinous, tetrahedral crystals associated with galena and carbonate minerals in hydrothermal veins.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellow-brown

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSphalerite family

Hanauerite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Resinous
Streak: Yellow-brown
Transparency: Translucent

Is this hanauerite?

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 hanauerite with a known reference. Hanauerite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hanauerite leaves a yellow-brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hanauerite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: tetrahedral.

Often confused with

Hanauerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Sphalerite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hanauerite leaves yellow-brown, Sphalerite leaves white to yellow-brown; luster reads resinous on Hanauerite and resinous to submetallic on Sphalerite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hanauerite leaves yellow-brown, Wurtzite leaves brownish-yellow to light brown.

Compare →

Often found alongside hanauerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Zn,Fe)S
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.9-4.1 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Black
Streak: Yellow-brown
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Tetrahedral
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen

Where rockhounds find hanauerite

Classic worldwide localities

Hanau, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where hanauerite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, calcite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tetrahedral habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hanauerite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is yellow-brown. Common colors include yellow, brown, black.

Where is hanauerite found?+

Notable localities include Hanau, Germany.

How much is hanauerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is hanauerite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains zinc and potentially trace cadmium or lead; wash hands after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like hanauerite?+

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

What minerals are found with hanauerite?+

Hanauerite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Calcite, Dolomite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hanauerite form in?+

Hanauerite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hanauerite used for?+

Hanauerite is used in collector.

Find hanauerite on the map

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