Mazzettiite is an extremely rare silver-mercury-lead-antimony telluride mineral found primarily in epithermal gold-silver deposits. It typically occurs as microscopic grains within complex sulfide-telluride ores and is prized by advanced mineral collectors for its unique chemistry.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Mazzettiite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this mazzettiite?

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 mazzettiite with a known reference. Mazzettiite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mazzettiite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mazzettiite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: fine-grained massive aggregates, microcrystalline.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside mazzettiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₃HgPbSbTe₅
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 7.3-7.5 g/cm³
Colors: Black Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Fine-grained Massive Aggregates, Microcrystalline
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Epithermal Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find mazzettiite

Classic worldwide localities

Tayoltita Mine, Durango, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in epithermal hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where mazzettiite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, pyrite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fine-grained massive aggregates, microcrystalline habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mazzettiite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, gray.

Where is mazzettiite found?+

Notable localities include Tayoltita Mine, Durango, Mexico.

How much is mazzettiite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is mazzettiite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury, lead, and tellurium. Should be handled with care; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like mazzettiite?+

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

What minerals are found with mazzettiite?+

Mazzettiite commonly co-occurs with quartz, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mazzettiite form in?+

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

What is mazzettiite used for?+

Mazzettiite is used in collector.

Find mazzettiite on the map

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