Nukundamite is a rare copper iron sulfide mineral typically found in porphyry copper deposits. It is often identified by its dark, bronze-like appearance and its intimate association with chalcopyrite and bornite.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Nukundamite

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

Is this nukundamite?

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 nukundamite with a known reference. Nukundamite 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. Nukundamite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nukundamite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, bronze.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Bornite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nukundamite leaves black, Bornite leaves greyish black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nukundamite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.

Often found alongside nukundamite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Cu,Fe)₄S₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.6-4.7 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Bronze
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Porphyry Copper Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nukundamite

Classic worldwide localities

Namosi, Viti Levu, Fiji
Bajo de la Alumbrera, Argentina
Chuquicamata, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in porphyry copper deposits country, the host setting where nukundamite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, bornite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nukundamite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include dark brown, bronze.

Where is nukundamite found?+

Notable localities include Namosi, Viti Levu, Fiji; Bajo de la Alumbrera, Argentina; Chuquicamata, Chile.

How much is nukundamite worth?+

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

Is nukundamite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and sulfides; dust inhalation or ingestion should be avoided. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like nukundamite?+

Nukundamite is most often confused with Bornite, Chalcopyrite, Digenite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with nukundamite?+

Nukundamite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Bornite, Pyrite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nukundamite form in?+

Nukundamite typically forms in porphyry copper deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nukundamite used for?+

Nukundamite is used in collector.

Find nukundamite on the map

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