Tetrahedrite-(Fe) is a common sulfosalt mineral recognized by its distinct tetrahedral crystal habit and metallic luster. It is an important ore mineral for copper and silver, often found in hydrothermal veins alongside other sulfides and carbonates.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralcommonTetrahedrite Group family

Tetrahedrite-(Fe)

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this tetrahedrite-(fe)?

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 tetrahedrite-(fe) with a known reference. Tetrahedrite-(Fe) sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tetrahedrite-(Fe) leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tetrahedrite-(Fe) typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel-gray, iron-black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: isometric. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

Tetrahedrite-(Fe) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tetrahedrite-(Fe) leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tetrahedrite-(Fe) leaves black, Enargite leaves grayish-black.

Compare →

Often found alongside tetrahedrite-(fe)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₆(Cu₄Fe₂)Sb₄S₁₃
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.6-5.2 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray Iron-black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Isometric
Crystal habit: Tetrahedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Ore
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $10-150 per specimen depending on crystal definition

Where rockhounds find tetrahedrite-(fe)

Classic worldwide localities

Freiberg, Germany
Casapalca, Peru
Cavnic, Romania
Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
Butte, Montana, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where tetrahedrite-(fe) typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pyrite, galena 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.

Common questions

How do you identify tetrahedrite-(fe)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include steel-gray, iron-black.

Where is tetrahedrite-(fe) found?+

Notable localities include Freiberg, Germany; Casapalca, Peru; Cavnic, Romania; Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia; Butte, Montana, USA.

How much is tetrahedrite-(fe) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-150 per specimen depending on crystal definition. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is tetrahedrite-(fe) safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper, iron, antimony, and sulfur. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust when cleaning or prepping specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like tetrahedrite-(fe)?+

Tetrahedrite-(Fe) is most often confused with Galena, Enargite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with tetrahedrite-(fe)?+

Tetrahedrite-(Fe) commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, Galena, Sphalerite, Siderite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tetrahedrite-(fe) form in?+

Tetrahedrite-(Fe) typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tetrahedrite-(fe) used for?+

Tetrahedrite-(Fe) is used in collector, ore.

Find tetrahedrite-(fe) on the map

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