Schlemaite is an extremely rare copper-lead selenide mineral named after its type locality in the Schlema-Hartenstein district. It is typically found as small, lead-gray metallic grains associated with other selenium-bearing minerals in hydrothermal uranium veins. Collectors generally prize it as a rare species of interest for advanced mineralogical suites.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Schlemaite

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

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Is this schlemaite?

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 schlemaite with a known reference. Schlemaite 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. Schlemaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Schlemaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

Schlemaite 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 — Schlemaite leaves black, Clausthalite leaves gray-black.

Often found alongside schlemaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Cu,□)₆(Pb,Bi)Se₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 8.8 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Uranium-bearing Deposits
Typical price: $50-300+ for micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find schlemaite

Classic worldwide localities

Schlema-Hartenstein district, Saxony, Germany
Příbram, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in uranium-bearing deposits country — that is the host setting where schlemaite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, berzelianite, uraninite 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 schlemaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, white.

Where is schlemaite found?+

Notable localities include Schlema-Hartenstein district, Saxony, Germany; Příbram, Czech Republic.

How much is schlemaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300+ for micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is schlemaite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like schlemaite?+

Schlemaite 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 schlemaite?+

Schlemaite commonly co-occurs with Clausthalite, Berzelianite, Uraninite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does schlemaite form in?+

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

What is schlemaite used for?+

Schlemaite is used in collector.

Find schlemaite on the map

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