Imiterite is an extremely rare silver-mercury sulfide mineral that typically occurs in low-temperature hydrothermal veins. It is usually found as small metallic, silver-white grains within larger silver ore deposits and is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Imiterite

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

Is this imiterite?

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 imiterite with a known reference. Imiterite 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. Imiterite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Imiterite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, massive, irregular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside imiterite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₂HgS₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 7.54 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Massive, Irregular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Silver-bearing Veins
Typical price: $100-500 depending on specimen size and quality

Where rockhounds find imiterite

Classic worldwide localities

Imiter Mine, Morocco
Rudabanya, Hungary

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal silver-bearing veins country — that is the host setting where imiterite typically forms. If you start seeing silver, galena, pyrargyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, massive, irregular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify imiterite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include silver-white, gray.

Where is imiterite found?+

Notable localities include Imiter Mine, Morocco; Rudabanya, Hungary.

How much is imiterite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 depending on specimen size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is imiterite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and silver; handle with care to avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like imiterite?+

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

What minerals are found with imiterite?+

Imiterite commonly co-occurs with Silver, Galena, Pyrargyrite, Proustite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does imiterite form in?+

Imiterite typically forms in hydrothermal silver-bearing veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is imiterite used for?+

Imiterite is used in collector.

Find imiterite on the map

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