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. Tetrahedrite-(Zn) leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tetrahedrite-(Zn) typically shows a metallic luster.
- 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 — Tetrahedrite-(Zn) leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tetrahedrite-(Zn) leaves black, Sphalerite leaves white to yellow-brown; luster reads metallic on Tetrahedrite-(Zn) and resinous to submetallic 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
- (Cu,Fe,Zn,Ag)₁₂Sb₄S₁₃
- 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
- Typical price
- $10-150 thumbnail, $50-500 cabinet
Where rockhounds find tetrahedrite-(zn)
Classic worldwide localities
- Schwaz, Austria
- Clausthal, Germany
- Casapalca, Peru
- Butte, Montana, USA
- Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where tetrahedrite-(zn) 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-(zn)?+
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Is tetrahedrite-(zn) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like tetrahedrite-(zn)?+
What minerals are found with tetrahedrite-(zn)?+
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Find tetrahedrite-(zn) on the map
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