Sabatierite is an extremely rare copper thallium selenide mineral typically found as small grains within hydrothermal deposits. It is primarily known from the type locality in Sweden and requires laboratory analysis for definitive identification.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Sabatierite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this sabatierite?

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 sabatierite with a known reference. Sabatierite sits at Mohs 2.5, 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: blue gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: aggregates, microscopic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Berzelianite

Mohs 2.7

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Sabatierite leaves black, Berzelianite leaves shining.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Sabatierite leaves black, Crookesite leaves lead-gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside sabatierite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₆TlSe₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.78 g/cm³
Colors: Blue gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Aggregates, microscopic crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In calcite veins

Where rockhounds find sabatierite

Classic worldwide localities

Bukov deposit, Rožná district, Czech Republic (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In calcite veins. If you start seeing crookesite, berzelianite, umangite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify sabatierite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include blue gray.

Where is sabatierite found?+

Notable localities include Bukov deposit, Rožná district, Czech Republic (type locality).

Is sabatierite safe to handle?+

Sabatierite contains copper, selenium and thallium and calls for real care. Contains thallium and selenium, both of which are highly toxic. Handle with care, avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or skin contact, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like sabatierite?+

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

What minerals are found with sabatierite?+

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

What kind of rock does sabatierite form in?+

Where it forms: In calcite veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is sabatierite used for?+

Sabatierite is used in collector.

Find sabatierite on the map

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