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 — Kullerudite leaves black, Marcasite leaves greyish-black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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?+
What rocks look like kullerudite?+
What minerals are found with kullerudite?+
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Find kullerudite on the map
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