Jolliffeite is a rare nickel arsenic selenide belonging to the gersdorffite group. It is typically found as small, metallic grains within hydrothermal vein systems associated with uranium mineralization in the Athabasca Basin.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGersdorffite Group family

Jolliffeite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this jolliffeite?

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 jolliffeite with a known reference. Jolliffeite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Jolliffeite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Jolliffeite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gersdorffite

Mohs 5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Jolliffeite leaves black, Gersdorffite leaves grayish-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Jolliffeite leaves black, Cobaltite leaves greyish-black.

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Often found alongside jolliffeite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NiAsSe
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 7.5-8.0 g/cm³
Colors: White Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Uranium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find jolliffeite

Classic worldwide localities

Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal uranium deposits country — that is the host setting where jolliffeite typically forms. If you start seeing uraninite, nickeline, gersdorffite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify jolliffeite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, silver-white.

Where is jolliffeite found?+

Notable localities include Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada.

How much is jolliffeite worth?+

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

Is jolliffeite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and selenium; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Do not inhale dust or fumes if grinding. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like jolliffeite?+

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

What minerals are found with jolliffeite?+

Jolliffeite commonly co-occurs with Uraninite, Nickeline, Gersdorffite, Clausthalite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does jolliffeite form in?+

Jolliffeite typically forms in hydrothermal uranium deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is jolliffeite used for?+

Jolliffeite is used in collector.

Find jolliffeite on the map

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