Moschellandsbergite is a rare silver-mercury amalgam found primarily in hydrothermal veins associated with mercury deposits. It typically occurs as small, silver-white dodecahedral crystals that quickly tarnish to a duller, yellowish-white surface upon exposure to air.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Silver-white

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Moschellandsbergite

Also: Landsbergite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Silver-white
Transparency: Opaque

Is this moschellandsbergite?

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 moschellandsbergite with a known reference. Moschellandsbergite sits at Mohs 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. Moschellandsbergite leaves a silver-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Moschellandsbergite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside moschellandsbergite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₂Hg₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 13.5 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Pale Yellow
Streak: Silver-white
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mercury-silver Veins
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find moschellandsbergite

Classic worldwide localities

Moschellandsberg, Germany
Almaden, Spain
Rudnik, Serbia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mercury-silver veins country — that is the host setting where moschellandsbergite typically forms. If you start seeing cinnabar, mercury, silver in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify moschellandsbergite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is silver-white. Common colors include silver-white, pale yellow.

Where is moschellandsbergite found?+

Notable localities include Moschellandsberg, Germany; Almaden, Spain; Rudnik, Serbia.

How much is moschellandsbergite 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 moschellandsbergite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury; handle with extreme caution, wear gloves, and do not inhale dust or allow contact with skin. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like moschellandsbergite?+

Moschellandsbergite is most often confused with Silver. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with moschellandsbergite?+

Moschellandsbergite commonly co-occurs with Cinnabar, Mercury, Silver, Dolomite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does moschellandsbergite form in?+

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

What is moschellandsbergite used for?+

Moschellandsbergite is used in collector.

Find moschellandsbergite on the map

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