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

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Petrovicite

Hardness: 3
Luster: 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. Petrovicite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Petrovicite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel-gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: microscopic grains.

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 — Petrovicite leaves black, Clausthalite leaves gray-black.

How to tell apart: Petrovicite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2).

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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: 6.2 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Microscopic Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find petrovicite

Classic worldwide localities

Predborice, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where petrovicite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, berzelianite, uraninite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify petrovicite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include steel-gray, black.

Where is petrovicite found?+

Notable localities include Predborice, Czech Republic.

How much is petrovicite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is petrovicite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury, lead, and selenium. Handle with care, avoid inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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 Clausthalite, Berzelianite, Uraninite, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does petrovicite form in?+

Petrovicite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. 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

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