Selenojalpaite is a rare silver-copper selenide mineral typically found as microscopic grains within hydrothermal deposits. It is chemically related to jalpaite but characterized by the substitution of sulfur with selenium, often identified through advanced analytical methods like SEM-EDS.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareJalpaite Group family

Selenojalpaite

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

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Is this selenojalpaite?

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 selenojalpaite with a known reference. Selenojalpaite 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. Selenojalpaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Selenojalpaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Selenojalpaite leaves black, Aguilarite leaves lead-gray.

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Often found alongside selenojalpaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₃CuSe₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.57 g/cm³
Colors: Black Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Epithermal Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find selenojalpaite

Classic worldwide localities

Selenkovoe deposit, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in epithermal hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where selenojalpaite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, gold, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify selenojalpaite?+

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

Where is selenojalpaite found?+

Notable localities include Selenkovoe deposit, Russia.

How much is selenojalpaite worth?+

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

Is selenojalpaite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like selenojalpaite?+

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

What minerals are found with selenojalpaite?+

Selenojalpaite commonly co-occurs with Clausthalite, Gold, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does selenojalpaite form in?+

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

What is selenojalpaite used for?+

Selenojalpaite is used in collector.

Find selenojalpaite on the map

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