Mohite is a rare copper selenide mineral typically found as metallic, steel-gray masses or small tabular crystals. It is primarily identified through mineralogical study of selenide-rich hydrothermal deposits where it occurs alongside other copper-selenium minerals.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Mohite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this mohite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Berzelianite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Mohite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2).

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Mohite leaves black, Chalcocite leaves lead-gray to black.

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Often found alongside mohite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂Se
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 6.5-6.8 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find mohite

Classic worldwide localities

Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan
Moctezuma mine, Mexico
Skrikerum, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where mohite typically forms. If you start seeing berzelianite, umangite, klockmannite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mohite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include steel-gray, silver-white.

Where is mohite found?+

Notable localities include Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan; Moctezuma mine, Mexico; Skrikerum, Sweden.

How much is mohite 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 mohite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains selenium and copper; avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like mohite?+

Mohite is most often confused with Berzelianite, Umangite, Chalcocite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with mohite?+

Mohite commonly co-occurs with Berzelianite, Umangite, Klockmannite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mohite form in?+

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

What is mohite used for?+

Mohite is used in collector.

Find mohite on the map

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