Miersite is a rare silver copper iodide mineral that typically occurs as small, bright yellow tetrahedral crystals. It is primarily found in the oxidized zones of silver ore deposits where it is often associated with other halide minerals. Collectors value it for its distinct bright yellow color and relatively rare occurrence.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareIodargyrite Group family

Miersite

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Resinous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this miersite?

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 miersite with a known reference. Miersite sits at Mohs 2-2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Miersite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Miersite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, bright yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Miersite leaves yellow, Bromargyrite leaves yellowish-white.

Compare →

Often found alongside miersite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ag,Cu)I
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 5.62 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Bright Yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Tetrahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Silver-bearing Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality

Where rockhounds find miersite

Classic worldwide localities

Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
Tonopah, Nevada, USA
Bisbee, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of silver-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where miersite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, smithsonite, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tetrahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify miersite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, bright yellow, pale yellow.

Where is miersite found?+

Notable localities include Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia; Tonopah, Nevada, USA; Bisbee, Arizona, USA.

How much is miersite worth?+

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

Is miersite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains silver and copper; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or prolonged skin contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like miersite?+

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

What minerals are found with miersite?+

Miersite commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Smithsonite, Malachite, Iodargyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does miersite form in?+

Miersite typically forms in oxidized zones of silver-bearing ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is miersite used for?+

Miersite is used in collector.

Find miersite on the map

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