Kuramite is a rare copper-tin sulfide mineral discovered in the Kurama Mountains. It typically occurs as small, metallic grains within hydrothermal ore deposits and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its scarcity.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Kuramite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this kuramite?

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 kuramite with a known reference. Kuramite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kuramite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kuramite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, blackish-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside kuramite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₃SnS₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 4.56 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Blackish-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kuramite

Classic worldwide localities

Kurama Mountains, Tajikistan

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify kuramite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, blackish-gray.

Where is kuramite found?+

Notable localities include Kurama Mountains, Tajikistan.

How much is kuramite 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 kuramite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and sulfur; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest or inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kuramite?+

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

What minerals are found with kuramite?+

Kuramite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Sphalerite, Galena, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kuramite form in?+

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

What is kuramite used for?+

Kuramite is used in collector.

Find kuramite on the map

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