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 — Nukundamite leaves black, Bornite leaves greyish black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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.