Moschelite is a rare mercury iodide mineral typically found as earthy masses or coatings in mercury-rich hydrothermal deposits. It is notable for its high density and sensitivity to light, which can cause specimens to darken over time if not stored in a dark container.

Hardness

1-2

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Brown

Transparency

Opaque, translucent on thin edges

mineralrareHalide Mineral family

Moschelite

Hardness: 1-2
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Brown
Transparency: Opaque, translucent on thin edges

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Is this moschelite?

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 moschelite with a known reference. Moschelite sits at Mohs 1-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: brown.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lemon yellow, dark olive green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: encrustations, microscopic crystals, platy.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Cinnabar

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Moschelite leaves brown, Cinnabar leaves scarlet.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Moschelite leaves brown, Calomel leaves pale yellowish white.

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Often found alongside moschelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Hg₂I₂
Mohs hardness: 1-2
Density: 7.75 g/cm³
Colors: Lemon yellow Dark olive green
Streak: Brown
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Opaque, translucent on thin edges
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Encrustations, microscopic crystals, platy
Cleavage: Imperfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a sandstone-hosted mercury deposit, the iodine thought to be provided from underlying coal beds

Where rockhounds find moschelite

Classic worldwide localities

Landsberg, near Obermoschel, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a sandstone-hosted mercury deposit, the iodine thought to be provided from underlying coal beds. If you start seeing mercury, cinnabar, metacinnabar in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: encrustations, microscopic crystals, platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify moschelite?+

Mohs hardness is 1-2. Luster: adamantine. The streak is brown. Common colors include lemon yellow, dark olive green.

Where is moschelite found?+

Notable localities include Landsberg, near Obermoschel, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.

Is moschelite safe to handle?+

Moschelite contains mercury and calls for real care. Contains mercury; handle with caution, avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or skin contact. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens.

What rocks look like moschelite?+

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

What minerals are found with moschelite?+

Moschelite commonly co-occurs with Mercury, Cinnabar, Metacinnabar, Calomel, Terlinguaite, Eglestonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does moschelite form in?+

Where it forms: In a sandstone-hosted mercury deposit, the iodine thought to be provided from underlying coal beds. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is moschelite used for?+

Moschelite is used in collector.

Find moschelite on the map

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