Quijarroite is a very rare copper-mercury-lead-bismuth selenide mineral found in selenide-rich hydrothermal veins. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains associated with other selenide minerals and is primarily a specialist collector's species.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Quijarroite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this quijarroite?

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 quijarroite with a known reference. Quijarroite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Quijarroite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Quijarroite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel-gray, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

Quijarroite 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 Quijarroite leaves black, Clausthalite leaves gray-black.

Often found alongside quijarroite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₆HgPbBi₄Se₁₂
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 6.87 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Selenide Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail size

Where rockhounds find quijarroite

Classic worldwide localities

Pacajake mine, Bolivia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal selenide deposits country, the host setting where quijarroite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, penroseite, watkinsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify quijarroite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include steel-gray, white.

Where is quijarroite found?+

Notable localities include Pacajake mine, Bolivia.

How much is quijarroite worth?+

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

Is quijarroite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury, lead, and selenium; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest or inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like quijarroite?+

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

What minerals are found with quijarroite?+

Quijarroite commonly co-occurs with Clausthalite, Penroseite, Watkinsonite, Klockmannite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does quijarroite form in?+

Quijarroite typically forms in hydrothermal selenide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is quijarroite used for?+

Quijarroite is used in collector.

Find quijarroite on the map

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