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 — 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 — that is 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.