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 — Hemusite leaves black, Enargite leaves grayish-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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.