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, 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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