Tučekite is an extremely rare nickel-antimony sulfide mineral typically found in complex base-metal sulfide deposits. It usually occurs as minute inclusions or granular masses within other sulfides and is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Tučekite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this tučekite?

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 tučekite with a known reference. Tučekite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tučekite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tučekite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive, granular, or interstitial aggregates.

Often confused with

Tučekite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside tučekite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ni₃SbS₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 6.83 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular, Or Interstitial Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Vein Deposits
Typical price: $50-200 per specimen

Where rockhounds find tučekite

Classic worldwide localities

Tučín, Czech Republic
Norilsk, Russia
Sudbury, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal vein deposits country, the host setting where tučekite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or interstitial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tučekite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, gray.

Where is tučekite found?+

Notable localities include Tučín, Czech Republic; Norilsk, Russia; Sudbury, Canada.

How much is tučekite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-200 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is tučekite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains antimony and nickel. Wear gloves when handling and avoid inhaling dust or powder, as these components are toxic if ingested or inhaled. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like tučekite?+

Tučekite is most often confused with Stannite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with tučekite?+

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

What kind of rock does tučekite form in?+

Tučekite typically forms in hydrothermal vein deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tučekite used for?+

Tučekite is used in collector.

Find tučekite on the map

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