Hodrušite is a rare copper-bismuth sulfide mineral typically found in complex hydrothermal ore veins. It most commonly occurs as small tabular crystals or as massive aggregates associated with other sulfides like galena and chalcopyrite.
Is this hodrušite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch hodrušite with a known reference. Hodrušite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hodrušite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hodrušite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark gray, lead gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Hodrušite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Hodrušite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs — Hodrušite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Hodrušite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5).
Often found alongside hodrušite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hodrušite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₈Bi₁₂S₂₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 4.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find hodrušite
Classic worldwide localities
- Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
- Felbertal, Austria
- Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal sulfide veins country — that is the host setting where hodrušite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hodrušite on the map
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