Picotpaulite is a very rare thallium-iron selenide mineral known primarily from its type locality at the Jas-Roux deposit in France. It typically appears as tiny, metallic bronze to copper-red grains embedded in a sulfide-selenide matrix.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Picotpaulite

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

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Is this picotpaulite?

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 picotpaulite with a known reference. Picotpaulite 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. Picotpaulite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Picotpaulite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: bronze, copper-red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: granular, anhedral grains.

Often found alongside picotpaulite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: TlFe₂Se₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 5.3 g/cm³
Colors: Bronze Copper-red
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Granular, Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find picotpaulite

Classic worldwide localities

Jas-Roux, France

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where picotpaulite typically forms. If you start seeing hutchinsonite, realgar, stibnite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify picotpaulite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include bronze, copper-red.

Where is picotpaulite found?+

Notable localities include Jas-Roux, France.

How much is picotpaulite worth?+

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

Is picotpaulite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains thallium and selenium; handle with gloves and avoid creating or inhaling dust, as both elements are highly toxic. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What minerals are found with picotpaulite?+

Picotpaulite commonly co-occurs with hutchinsonite, realgar, stibnite, marcasite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does picotpaulite form in?+

Picotpaulite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is picotpaulite used for?+

Picotpaulite is used in collector.

Find picotpaulite on the map

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