Tetrahedrite-(Zn) is a common sulfide mineral often found as well-defined tetrahedral crystals in hydrothermal veins. Collectors look for its distinctive metallic luster and dark grey, almost black, appearance associated with other common sulfide minerals like chalcopyrite or galena.
Is this tetrahedrite-(zn)?
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-(zn) with a known reference. Tetrahedrite-(Zn) 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. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: steel-gray, iron-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Tetrahedrite-(Zn) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Tetrahedrite-(Zn) leaves black, Tennantite leaves reddish gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Tetrahedrite-(Zn) leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Tetrahedrite-(Zn) leaves black, Sphalerite leaves pale brown to pale yellow and white; luster reads metallic on Tetrahedrite-(Zn) and resinous to adamantine on Sphalerite.
Often found alongside tetrahedrite-(zn)
Minerals reported to co-occur with tetrahedrite-(zn). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₆(Cu₄Zn₂)Sb₄S₁₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 4.6-5.4 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Tetrahedral crystals, massive, granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Ore mineral
- Host rock
- hydrothermal veins
Where rockhounds find tetrahedrite-(zn)
Classic worldwide localities
- Schwaz, Austria
- Clausthal, Germany
- Casapalca, Peru
- Butte, Montana, USA
- Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: hydrothermal veins. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pyrite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals, massive, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify tetrahedrite-(zn)?+
Where is tetrahedrite-(zn) found?+
Is tetrahedrite-(zn) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like tetrahedrite-(zn)?+
What minerals are found with tetrahedrite-(zn)?+
What kind of rock does tetrahedrite-(zn) form in?+
What is tetrahedrite-(zn) used for?+
Find tetrahedrite-(zn) on the map
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