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.

Hardness

4-4.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Permingeatite

Hardness: 4-4.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this permingeatite?

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 permingeatite with a known reference. Permingeatite sits at Mohs 4-4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microscopic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Stannite

Mohs 4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Permingeatite leaves black, Stannite leaves blackish.

How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Permingeatite and dull metallic on Famatinite.

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: 4-4.5
Density: 5.82 g/cm³
Colors: Pink brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Microscopic crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A product of epithermal hydrothermal mineralization

Where rockhounds find permingeatite

Classic worldwide localities

Předbořice uranium deposit, near Krásna Hora, Czech Republic (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A product of epithermal hydrothermal mineralization. If you start seeing berzelianite, hakite, eskebornite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify permingeatite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-4.5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include pink brown.

Where is permingeatite found?+

Notable localities include Předbořice uranium deposit, near Krásna Hora, Czech Republic (type locality).

Is permingeatite safe to handle?+

Permingeatite contains antimony, copper and selenium. Contains selenium and copper; avoid dust inhalation and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens.

What rocks look like permingeatite?+

Permingeatite is most often confused with Stannite, Famatinite, Tetrahedrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with permingeatite?+

Permingeatite commonly co-occurs with Berzelianite, Hakite, Eskebornite, Umangite, Naumannite, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does permingeatite form in?+

Where it forms: A product of epithermal hydrothermal mineralization. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is permingeatite used for?+

Permingeatite is used in collector.

Find permingeatite on the map

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