Maikainite is a very rare sulfide mineral first identified in the Maikain gold deposit of Kazakhstan. It typically presents as metallic, opaque masses within complex polymetallic sulfide ores alongside minerals like chalcopyrite and pyrite.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Maikainite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this maikainite?

4-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 maikainite with a known reference. Maikainite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: inclusions, microscopic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside maikainite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₁₀Fe₃MoGe₃S₁₆
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 4.54 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Inclusions, microscopic crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a gold-bearing, base-metal, massive-sulfide deposit (Maikain); in a germanium-bearing, base-metal, massive-sulfide deposit (Tsumeb)

Where rockhounds find maikainite

Classic worldwide localities

Maikain deposit, Kazakhstan, and the Tsumeb deposit, Ovamboland, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a gold-bearing, base-metal, massive-sulfide deposit (Maikain); in a germanium-bearing, base-metal, massive-sulfide deposit (Tsumeb). If you start seeing germanite, ovamboite, germanocolusite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify maikainite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. Luster: metallic. Common colors include yellow.

Where is maikainite found?+

Notable localities include Maikain deposit, Kazakhstan, and the Tsumeb deposit, Ovamboland, Namibia.

Is maikainite safe to handle?+

Maikainite contains copper. Contains copper, iron, molybdenum, tungsten, and sulfur; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust.

What rocks look like maikainite?+

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

What minerals are found with maikainite?+

Maikainite commonly co-occurs with Germanite, Ovamboite, Germanocolusite, Sphalerite, Bornite, Tennantite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does maikainite form in?+

Where it forms: In a gold-bearing, base-metal, massive-sulfide deposit (Maikain); in a germanium-bearing, base-metal, massive-sulfide deposit (Tsumeb). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is maikainite used for?+

Maikainite is used in collector.

Find maikainite on the map

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