Permingeatite is a rare copper antimony selenide typically found in hydrothermal selenide deposits. Collectors usually look for it as dark grey metallic inclusions associated with other copper minerals or uraninite, often identified via polished sections or XRD analysis due to its massive habit.
Is this permingeatite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch permingeatite with a known reference. Permingeatite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Permingeatite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Permingeatite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive, granular, or fine-grained interstitial aggregates.
Often confused with
Permingeatite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside permingeatite
Minerals reported to co-occur with permingeatite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃SbSe₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 4.6-4.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Or Fine-grained Interstitial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins, Selenide-bearing Mineral Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find permingeatite
Classic worldwide localities
- Predborice, Czech Republic
- Habachtal, Austria
- Tarkwa, Ghana
- Bukuka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins, selenide-bearing mineral deposits country — that is the host setting where permingeatite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, uraninite, clausthalite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or fine-grained interstitial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify permingeatite?+
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How much is permingeatite worth?+
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Find permingeatite on the map
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