Hemusite is an extremely rare copper-tin-molybdenum sulfide mineral typically found in epithermal gold-copper deposits. It usually occurs as microscopic inclusions or fine-grained masses within other sulfide minerals, making hand-specimen identification difficult without laboratory analysis.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Hemusite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this hemusite?

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 hemusite with a known reference. Hemusite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hemusite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hemusite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Enargite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hemusite leaves black, Enargite leaves grayish-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hemusite leaves black, Bornite leaves greyish black.

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Often found alongside hemusite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₆SnMoS₈
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 6.32 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Epithermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find hemusite

Classic worldwide localities

Chelopech deposit, Bulgaria
Bor, Serbia
Kidd Creek mine, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal epithermal deposits country, the host setting where hemusite typically forms. If you start seeing enargite, pyrite, luzonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hemusite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include dark gray, black.

Where is hemusite found?+

Notable localities include Chelopech deposit, Bulgaria; Bor, Serbia; Kidd Creek mine, Canada.

How much is hemusite 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 hemusite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and potentially harmful trace elements; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like hemusite?+

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

What minerals are found with hemusite?+

Hemusite commonly co-occurs with Enargite, Pyrite, Luzonite, Galena, Sphalerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hemusite form in?+

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

What is hemusite used for?+

Hemusite is used in collector.

Find hemusite on the map

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