Nowackiite is a rare sulfosalt mineral primarily known from the famous Binn Valley deposits in Switzerland. It typically forms small, sharp trigonal crystals embedded in a dolomitic matrix and is highly sought after by mineral collectors due to its rarity and complex chemical composition.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Nowackiite

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

Is this nowackiite?

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 nowackiite with a known reference. Nowackiite 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. Nowackiite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nowackiite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: trigonal pyramidal crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside nowackiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₆Zn₃As₄S₁₂
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 4.67 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Trigonal Pyramidal Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Dolomitic Marble
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality

Where rockhounds find nowackiite

Classic worldwide localities

Lengenbach Quarry, Binn Valley, Switzerland
Rudabanya, Hungary

Field-hunting tip

Look in dolomitic marble country, the host setting where nowackiite typically forms. If you start seeing dolomite, realgar, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a trigonal pyramidal crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nowackiite?+

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

Where is nowackiite found?+

Notable localities include Lengenbach Quarry, Binn Valley, Switzerland; Rudabanya, Hungary.

How much is nowackiite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is nowackiite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and copper; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or prolonged skin contact. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like nowackiite?+

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

What minerals are found with nowackiite?+

Nowackiite commonly co-occurs with Dolomite, Realgar, Pyrite, Sartorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nowackiite form in?+

Nowackiite typically forms in dolomitic marble. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nowackiite used for?+

Nowackiite is used in collector.

Find nowackiite on the map

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