Novákite is a rare copper-arsenic mineral typically found as massive or fine-grained aggregates within hydrothermal veins. It is visually similar to other copper arsenides and is usually identified through laboratory analysis or its occurrence in specific historical mining districts in the Czech Republic.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Novákite

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

Is this novákite?

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 novákite with a known reference. Novákite 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. Novákite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Novákite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, granular, or fine-grained aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Domeykite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Novákite leaves black, Domeykite leaves metallic white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Novákite leaves black, Algodonite leaves white.

Often found alongside novákite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄As₃
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 8.06 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular, Or Fine-grained Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Arsenic-bearing Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity

Where rockhounds find novákite

Classic worldwide localities

Cerný Důl, Czech Republic
Jáchymov, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal arsenic-bearing veins country — that is the host setting where novákite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenic, domeykite, koutekite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or fine-grained aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify novákite?+

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

Where is novákite found?+

Notable localities include Cerný Důl, Czech Republic; Jáchymov, Czech Republic.

How much is novákite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is novákite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Novákite contains arsenic, which is highly toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid grinding or creating mineral dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like novákite?+

Novákite is most often confused with Domeykite, Algodonite, Koutekite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with novákite?+

Novákite commonly co-occurs with Arsenic, Domeykite, Koutekite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does novákite form in?+

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

What is novákite used for?+

Novákite is used in collector.

Find novákite on the map

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