Schachnerite is a rare silver-mercury amalgam typically found as microscopic grains or intergrowths within mercury-rich deposits. It is best identified through laboratory analysis of its metallic, silver-white appearance in specialized hydrothermal mineral assemblages.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Silver-white

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAmalgam Group family

Schachnerite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Silver-white
Transparency: Opaque

Is this schachnerite?

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 schachnerite with a known reference. Schachnerite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Schachnerite leaves a silver-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Schachnerite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic inclusions.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Schachnerite leaves silver-white, Paraschachnerite leaves white.

Often found alongside schachnerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₁₁.₀-₁.₁Hg₀.₉-₁.₀
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 12.8-13.1 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Pale Yellow
Streak: Silver-white
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Microscopic Inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Mercury-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality

Where rockhounds find schachnerite

Classic worldwide localities

Moschellandsberg, Germany
Rudnik, Serbia
Terlingua, Texas, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in mercury-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where schachnerite typically forms. If you start seeing paraschachnerite, moschellandsbergite, cinnabar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, microscopic inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify schachnerite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is silver-white. Common colors include silver-white, pale yellow.

Where is schachnerite found?+

Notable localities include Moschellandsberg, Germany; Rudnik, Serbia; Terlingua, Texas, USA.

How much is schachnerite worth?+

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

Is schachnerite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains significant amounts of mercury; handle with extreme caution, avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like schachnerite?+

Schachnerite is most often confused with Paraschachnerite, Moschellandsbergite, Silver. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with schachnerite?+

Schachnerite commonly co-occurs with Paraschachnerite, Moschellandsbergite, Cinnabar, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does schachnerite form in?+

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

What is schachnerite used for?+

Schachnerite is used in collector.

Find schachnerite on the map

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