Mäkinenite is a rare hexagonal modification of elemental selenium that typically occurs as metallic, dark-colored platy crystals or masses. It is primarily found in hydrothermal environments associated with selenium-bearing sulfide ores, making it a sought-after rarity for advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Mäkinenite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this mäkinenite?

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 mäkinenite with a known reference. Mäkinenite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mäkinenite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mäkinenite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mäkinenite leaves black, Molybdenite leaves greenish-gray.

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Often found alongside mäkinenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: γ-Se
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 4.26 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Selenium-rich Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find mäkinenite

Classic worldwide localities

Finland
China
Argentina

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal selenium-rich veins country — that is the host setting where mäkinenite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, ullmannite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mäkinenite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, dark brown.

Where is mäkinenite found?+

Notable localities include Finland; China; Argentina.

How much is mäkinenite 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 mäkinenite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Mäkinenite contains selenium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like mäkinenite?+

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

What minerals are found with mäkinenite?+

Mäkinenite commonly co-occurs with Clausthalite, Ullmannite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mäkinenite form in?+

Mäkinenite typically forms in hydrothermal selenium-rich veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mäkinenite used for?+

Mäkinenite is used in collector.

Find mäkinenite on the map

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