Tetra-auricupride is a rare intermetallic compound of gold and copper. It typically occurs as microscopic inclusions within gold-bearing ores and is highly valued by mineral collectors for its distinct composition and rarity.
Is this tetra-auricupride?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch tetra-auricupride with a known reference. Tetra-auricupride sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tetra-auricupride leaves a blackish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tetra-auricupride typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brass yellow, golden yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions.
Often confused with
Tetra-auricupride vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside tetra-auricupride
Minerals reported to co-occur with tetra-auricupride. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- AuCu
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 12.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- Blackish
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Inclusions
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Gold-copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500+ for micro specimens
Where rockhounds find tetra-auricupride
Classic worldwide localities
- Kallmora, Sweden
- Hope's Nose, Torquay, UK
- Tasmania, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal gold-copper deposits country — that is the host setting where tetra-auricupride typically forms. If you start seeing gold, copper, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify tetra-auricupride?+
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How much is tetra-auricupride worth?+
What rocks look like tetra-auricupride?+
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Find tetra-auricupride on the map
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