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

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Velikite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this velikite?

4-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 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, greenish gray, light gray.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: granular.

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: 4
Density: 5.45 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Greenish gray Light gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Granular
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In veins cutting carboniferous black schists and limestones in a mercury deposit

Where rockhounds find velikite

Classic worldwide localities

Khaidarkan Hg deposit, about 60 km south of Fergana, Kirgizia (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In veins cutting carboniferous black schists and limestones in a mercury deposit. If you start seeing cinnabar, stibnite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify velikite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. Luster: metallic. Common colors include gray, greenish gray, light gray.

Where is velikite found?+

Notable localities include Khaidarkan Hg deposit, about 60 km south of Fergana, Kirgizia (type locality).

Is velikite safe to handle?+

Velikite contains copper and mercury and calls for real care. Contains mercury and potentially other heavy metals; handle with care and wash hands after handling. Do not ingest dust or inhale vapors if heated.

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?+

Where it forms: In veins cutting carboniferous black schists and limestones in a mercury deposit. 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.