Klockmannite is a rare copper selenide mineral typically found as metallic, slate-gray masses in hydrothermal veins. It is often identified by its association with other rare selenide minerals and its distinct lack of crystal faces in hand samples. Collectors should treat it with caution due to the presence of selenium.
Is this klockmannite?
5-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 klockmannite with a known reference. Klockmannite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Klockmannite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Klockmannite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: slate-gray, bluish-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive, granular, or fine-grained aggregates.
Often confused with
Klockmannite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside klockmannite
Minerals reported to co-occur with klockmannite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuSe
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 7.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Or Fine-grained Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Selenium-bearing Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find klockmannite
Classic worldwide localities
- Harz Mountains, Germany
- Sierra de Cacheuta, Argentina
- Skrikerum, Sweden
- Pacajake Mine, Bolivia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal selenium-bearing veins country — that is the host setting where klockmannite typically forms. If you start seeing berzelianite, umangite, clausthalite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or fine-grained aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find klockmannite on the map
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