Kolymite is a rare copper-mercury amalgam found in gold-bearing hydrothermal veins. It typically presents as metallic, silvery-white massive or granular aggregates and is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors due to its unique chemical composition and limited locality availability.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Kolymite

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

Is this kolymite?

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 kolymite with a known reference. Kolymite 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. Kolymite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kolymite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silvery white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Native Mercury

Mohs inapplicable

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kolymite leaves black, Native Mercury leaves none.

Compare →

Often found alongside kolymite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₇Hg₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 12.8-13.0 g/cm³
Colors: Silvery White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Massive, Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Gold Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size

Where rockhounds find kolymite

Classic worldwide localities

Kolyma River basin, Magadan Oblast, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify kolymite?+

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

Where is kolymite found?+

Notable localities include Kolyma River basin, Magadan Oblast, Russia.

How much is kolymite worth?+

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

Is kolymite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and copper; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or prolonged skin contact. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kolymite?+

Kolymite is most often confused with Native Mercury. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kolymite?+

Kolymite commonly co-occurs with gold, quartz, stibnite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kolymite form in?+

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

What is kolymite used for?+

Kolymite is used in collector.

Find kolymite on the map

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