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 — that is 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.