Jagüéite is a rare copper palladium selenide mineral typically found as microscopic grains in complex selenide assemblages. It is named after its type locality in Argentina and is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors specializing in selenides.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Jagüéite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this jagüéite?

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 jagüéite with a known reference. Jagüéite sits at Mohs 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: silvery gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, intergrown crystals, twinning common.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Jagüéite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 2.5-3).

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Often found alongside jagüéite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂Pd₃Se₄
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 7.96 g/cm³
Colors: Silvery gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains, intergrown crystals, twinning common
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a telethermal selenide vein deposit hosted by highly altered sedimentary rocks

Where rockhounds find jagüéite

Classic worldwide localities

El Chire prospect, 30 km northwest of the village of Vinchina, Los Llantenes mining district, La Rioja Province, Argentina

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a telethermal selenide vein deposit hosted by highly altered sedimentary rocks. If you start seeing chrisstanleyite, clausthalite, naumannite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains, intergrown crystals, twinning common. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify jagüéite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include silvery gray.

Where is jagüéite found?+

Notable localities include El Chire prospect, 30 km northwest of the village of Vinchina, Los Llantenes mining district, La Rioja Province, Argentina.

Is jagüéite safe to handle?+

Jagüéite contains copper and selenium. Contains selenium and copper; avoid inhalation of dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Selenium can be hazardous if ingested or processed improperly.

What rocks look like jagüéite?+

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

What minerals are found with jagüéite?+

Jagüéite commonly co-occurs with Chrisstanleyite, Clausthalite, Naumannite, Tiemannite, Klockmannite, Berzelianite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does jagüéite form in?+

Where it forms: In a telethermal selenide vein deposit hosted by highly altered sedimentary rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is jagüéite used for?+

Jagüéite is used in collector.

Find jagüéite on the map

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