Kitkaite is a rare nickel telluride selenide mineral typically found as small grains in sulfide-bearing hydrothermal veins. It is most famous from its type locality in Finland, where it appears in association with other rare tellurides and sulfides.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Kitkaite

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

Is this kitkaite?

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 kitkaite with a known reference. Kitkaite 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. Kitkaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kitkaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Kitkaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1-1.5).

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Often found alongside kitkaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NiTeSe
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 6.68 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kitkaite

Classic worldwide localities

Kitka, Kuusamo, Finland

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where kitkaite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurobismuthite, galena, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kitkaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, gray.

Where is kitkaite found?+

Notable localities include Kitka, Kuusamo, Finland.

How much is kitkaite 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 kitkaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains nickel and selenium; avoid dust inhalation and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kitkaite?+

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

What minerals are found with kitkaite?+

Kitkaite commonly co-occurs with Tellurobismuthite, Galena, Chalcopyrite, Gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kitkaite form in?+

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

What is kitkaite used for?+

Kitkaite is used in collector.

Find kitkaite on the map

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