Kullerudite is a rare nickel selenide mineral that typically occurs in low-temperature hydrothermal veins. It is visually similar to other metallic sulfide minerals and is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of rare-element species.
Is this kullerudite?
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 kullerudite with a known reference. Kullerudite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kullerudite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kullerudite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: silver-white, tinfoil-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, granular.
Often confused with
Kullerudite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kullerudite leaves black, Marcasite leaves greyish-black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kullerudite leaves black, Pyrite leaves greenish-black to brownish-black.
Often found alongside kullerudite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kullerudite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NiSe₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 7.07 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Reference Mineral
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kullerudite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kongsberg, Norway
- Krunkelbach, Germany
- Hope, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where kullerudite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, ullmannite, gersdorffite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kullerudite?+
Where is kullerudite found?+
How much is kullerudite worth?+
Is kullerudite safe to handle?+
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Find kullerudite on the map
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