Tetrahedrite is the most common member of the fahlore group, known for its distinctive sharp tetrahedral crystal form. It is a major ore for copper and silver and is frequently found in hydrothermal vein deposits alongside various other sulfides. Its metallic luster and dark color often make it a striking addition to mineral collections when found as well-defined, lustrous crystals.
Is this tetrahedrite?
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 tetrahedrite with a known reference. Tetrahedrite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tetrahedrite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tetrahedrite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: steel-gray, iron-black, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Tetrahedrite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside tetrahedrite
Minerals reported to co-occur with tetrahedrite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Cu,Fe,Zn,Ag)₁₂Sb₄S₁₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 4.6-5.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Tetrahedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Ore of Copper, Ore of Silver, Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $10-150 for specimens depending on crystal size and associations
Where rockhounds find tetrahedrite
9 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Schwaz, Austria
- Clausthal, Germany
- Butte, Montana, USA
- Casapalca, Peru
- Cornwall, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where tetrahedrite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tetrahedral crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Utah, Idaho, Arizona — start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify tetrahedrite?+
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Can I find tetrahedrite in the United States?+
How much is tetrahedrite worth?+
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Find tetrahedrite on the map
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