Keutschite is a rare mercury-bearing sulfosalt belonging to the tetrahedrite group. It typically occurs as small metallic tetrahedral crystals in hydrothermal mineral deposits and is primarily sought after by advanced systematic collectors.
Is this keutschite?
4-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 keutschite with a known reference. Keutschite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray, black.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal.
Often confused with
Keutschite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside keutschite
Minerals reported to co-occur with keutschite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- AgCu₂AsS₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 4.9-5.1 g/cm³
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- hydrothermal veins
Where rockhounds find keutschite
Classic worldwide localities
- Uchucchacua polymetallic deposit, Oyon district, Catajambo, Lima Department, Peru
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: hydrothermal veins. If you start seeing cinnabar, tetrahedrite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground.
Common questions
How do you identify keutschite?+
Where is keutschite found?+
Is keutschite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like keutschite?+
What minerals are found with keutschite?+
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Find keutschite on the map
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