Velikite is a rare mercury-bearing sulfide mineral within the stannite group, often appearing as fine-grained masses. It is primarily found in association with low-temperature hydrothermal deposits, particularly those rich in mercury and antimony. Due to its scarcity and metallic appearance, it is a highly sought-after species for advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Velikite

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

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Is this velikite?

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 velikite with a known reference. Velikite 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. Velikite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Velikite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, brownish-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside velikite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂HgSnS₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.56 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Brownish-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mercury-antimony Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find velikite

Classic worldwide localities

Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan
Yindongpo, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mercury-antimony deposits country — that is the host setting where velikite typically forms. If you start seeing cinnabar, stibnite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify velikite?+

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

Where is velikite found?+

Notable localities include Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan; Yindongpo, China.

How much is velikite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is velikite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and potentially other heavy metals; handle with care and wash hands after handling. Do not ingest dust or inhale vapors if heated. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like velikite?+

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

What minerals are found with velikite?+

Velikite commonly co-occurs with Cinnabar, Stibnite, Pyrite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does velikite form in?+

Velikite typically forms in hydrothermal mercury-antimony deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is velikite used for?+

Velikite is used in collector.

Find velikite on the map

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