Petrovicite is an extremely rare copper mercury lead bismuth selenide mineral first identified in the Predborice uranium deposit. It typically occurs as minute grains in association with other rare selenides and is mainly of interest to advanced micro-mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Strong metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Petrovicite

Hardness: ~3
Luster: Strong metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this petrovicite?

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 petrovicite with a known reference. Petrovicite sits at Mohs ~3, 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: strong metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: microscopic crystals, tabular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Clausthalite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Petrovicite leaves black, Clausthalite leaves grayish black; luster reads strong metallic on Petrovicite and metallic on Clausthalite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Petrovicite leaves black, Berzelianite leaves shining; luster reads strong metallic on Petrovicite and metallic on Berzelianite.

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Often found alongside petrovicite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₃HgPbBiSe₅
Mohs hardness: ~3
Density: 7.707 g/cm³
Colors: Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Strong metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Microscopic crystals, tabular
Cleavage: Imperfect, parallel to flattening of crystals
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In hydrothermal dolomite-calcite veins with other selenides

Where rockhounds find petrovicite

Classic worldwide localities

Petrovice uranium deposit, near Ždǎr, Czech Republic (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In hydrothermal dolomite-calcite veins with other selenides. If you start seeing berzelianite, eucairite, crookesite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic crystals, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify petrovicite?+

Mohs hardness is ~3. Luster: strong metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include gray.

Where is petrovicite found?+

Notable localities include Petrovice uranium deposit, near Ždǎr, Czech Republic (type locality).

Is petrovicite safe to handle?+

Petrovicite contains copper, lead, mercury and selenium and calls for real care. Contains mercury, lead, and selenium. Handle with care, avoid inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like petrovicite?+

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

What minerals are found with petrovicite?+

Petrovicite commonly co-occurs with Berzelianite, Eucairite, Crookesite, Tyrrellite, Ferroselite, Bukovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does petrovicite form in?+

Where it forms: In hydrothermal dolomite-calcite veins with other selenides. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is petrovicite used for?+

Petrovicite is used in collector.

Find petrovicite on the map

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