Henryite is a rare copper-silver telluride mineral typically found as microscopic inclusions within other telluride ores in epithermal gold deposits. It is best identified through polished section analysis using reflected light microscopy where it displays a distinct creamy white to pale yellow color. Specimens are primarily sourced from the telluride-rich mining districts of Colorado.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Henryite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this henryite?

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 henryite with a known reference. Henryite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Henryite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Henryite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Henryite leaves black, Petzite leaves iron-black.

Often found alongside henryite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄Ag₃Te₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 8.55 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Epithermal Gold-telluride Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per micro-mount or small specimen

Where rockhounds find henryite

Classic worldwide localities

Good Hope mine, Colorado, USA
Sacarmento mine, Colorado, USA
Empress Josephine mine, Colorado, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in epithermal gold-telluride veins country — that is the host setting where henryite typically forms. If you start seeing petzite, hessite, rickardite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify henryite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, pale yellow.

Where is henryite found?+

Notable localities include Good Hope mine, Colorado, USA; Sacarmento mine, Colorado, USA; Empress Josephine mine, Colorado, USA.

How much is henryite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per micro-mount or small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is henryite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium, which can release toxic fumes if heated; handle with care and wash hands after handling due to copper and silver content. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like henryite?+

Henryite is most often confused with Hessite, Petzite, Rickardite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with henryite?+

Henryite commonly co-occurs with Petzite, Hessite, Rickardite, Pyrite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does henryite form in?+

Henryite typically forms in epithermal gold-telluride veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is henryite used for?+

Henryite is used in collector.

Find henryite on the map

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