Paraschachnerite is an extremely rare silver-mercury amalgam found in association with other mercury-rich minerals. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains or small masses embedded in a matrix of calcite or cinnabar from specific mercury mine localities.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSchachnerite Series family

Paraschachnerite

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

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Is this paraschachnerite?

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 paraschachnerite with a known reference. Paraschachnerite 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. Paraschachnerite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Paraschachnerite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, interstitial fillings.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Schachnerite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paraschachnerite leaves white, Schachnerite leaves silver-white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paraschachnerite leaves white, Moschellandsbergite leaves silver-white.

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Often found alongside paraschachnerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₃Hg₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 12.8-13.1 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white
Streak: White
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Interstitial Fillings
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mercury Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail size

Where rockhounds find paraschachnerite

Classic worldwide localities

Rudolphschacht, Tyrol, Austria

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mercury deposits country — that is the host setting where paraschachnerite typically forms. If you start seeing schachnerite, moschellandsbergite, cinnabar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, interstitial fillings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paraschachnerite?+

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

Where is paraschachnerite found?+

Notable localities include Rudolphschacht, Tyrol, Austria.

How much is paraschachnerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is paraschachnerite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury; handle with gloves and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Store in a sealed, labeled container away from living spaces. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like paraschachnerite?+

Paraschachnerite is most often confused with Schachnerite, Moschellandsbergite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with paraschachnerite?+

Paraschachnerite commonly co-occurs with Schachnerite, Moschellandsbergite, Cinnabar, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paraschachnerite form in?+

Paraschachnerite typically forms in hydrothermal mercury deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paraschachnerite used for?+

Paraschachnerite is used in collector.

Find paraschachnerite on the map

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