Skippenite is a rare bismuth selenide telluride that typically occurs as metallic, lead-gray foliated or platy masses. It is primarily found in hydrothermal vein systems and is often associated with native gold and other telluride minerals. Due to its extreme rarity and soft nature, it is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors specializing in bismuth species.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Lead-gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareTetradymite Group family

Skippenite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Lead-gray
Transparency: Opaque

Is this skippenite?

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 skippenite with a known reference. Skippenite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Skippenite leaves a lead-gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Skippenite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, foliated masses, lamellar aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside skippenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Bi₂Se₂Te
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 7.6-7.8 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Silver-white
Streak: Lead-gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Foliated Masses, Lamellar Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Gold-bearing Quartz Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find skippenite

Classic worldwide localities

Skippen Creek, British Columbia, Canada
various hydrothermal vein deposits

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal gold-bearing quartz veins country — that is the host setting where skippenite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, pyrite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, foliated masses, lamellar aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify skippenite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is lead-gray. Common colors include lead-gray, silver-white.

Where is skippenite found?+

Notable localities include Skippen Creek, British Columbia, Canada; various hydrothermal vein deposits.

How much is skippenite 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 skippenite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like skippenite?+

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

What minerals are found with skippenite?+

Skippenite commonly co-occurs with quartz, pyrite, calcite, gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does skippenite form in?+

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

What is skippenite used for?+

Skippenite is used in collector.

Find skippenite on the map

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