Morozeviczite is a rare germanium-bearing sulfide mineral typically found in complex base metal deposits. It is most recognized for its occurrence in the Tsumeb Mine, where it appears as minor metallic grains associated with other germanium minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Morozeviczite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this morozeviczite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside morozeviczite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Pb,Fe)₃GeS₄
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 5.02 g/cm³
Colors: Black Iron-black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Massive
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Study
Host rock: Hydrothermal Polymetallic Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find morozeviczite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine (Namibia)

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposits country — that is the host setting where morozeviczite typically forms. If you start seeing germanite, renierite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify morozeviczite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, iron-black.

Where is morozeviczite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine (Namibia).

How much is morozeviczite 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 morozeviczite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like morozeviczite?+

Morozeviczite is most often confused with Renierite, Germanite, Briartite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with morozeviczite?+

Morozeviczite commonly co-occurs with Germanite, Renierite, Galena, Tennantite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does morozeviczite form in?+

Morozeviczite typically forms in hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is morozeviczite used for?+

Morozeviczite is used in collector, scientific study.

Find morozeviczite on the map

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