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.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Hodrušite

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

Is this hodrušite?

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 hodrušite with a known reference. Hodrušite 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. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark gray, lead gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

mineral

Aikinite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Hodrušite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs, so Hodrušite leaves black, Aikinite leaves grayish black.

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
Colors: Dark gray Lead gray Black
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

Where rockhounds find hodrušite

Classic worldwide localities

Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
Felbertal, Austria
Kutná Hora, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: hydrothermal sulfide veins. If you start seeing galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hodrušite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include dark gray, lead gray, black.

Where is hodrušite found?+

Notable localities include Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia; Felbertal, Austria; Kutná Hora, Czech Republic.

Is hodrušite safe to handle?+

Hodrušite contains copper. Contains copper and bismuth; handle with care and wash hands after contact. Avoid inhaling dust during preparation.

What rocks look like hodrušite?+

Hodrušite is most often confused with Aikinite, Wittichenite, Tetrahedrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with hodrušite?+

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

What kind of rock does hodrušite form in?+

Where it forms: hydrothermal sulfide veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hodrušite used for?+

Hodrušite is used in collector.

Find hodrušite on the map

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