Trüstedtite is a rare nickel selenide mineral belonging to the thiospinel group. It typically occurs as opaque, metallic grains within sulfide-rich ore deposits and is most commonly identified through laboratory analysis of its selenium content.
Is this trüstedtite?
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 trüstedtite with a known reference. Trüstedtite sits at Mohs 4.5-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Trüstedtite leaves a grayish-black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Trüstedtite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pinkish-white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, granular.
Often confused with
Trüstedtite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside trüstedtite
Minerals reported to co-occur with trüstedtite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ni₃Se₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 4.38 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Grayish-black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins, Nickel-bearing Sulfide Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find trüstedtite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hitura Mine, Finland
- Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins, nickel-bearing sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where trüstedtite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify trüstedtite?+
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Find trüstedtite on the map
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