Weissite is a rare copper telluride mineral that typically appears as massive, black, metallic inclusions in hydrothermal deposits. It is best identified by its association with other tellurides like rickardite and its characteristic black streak when scratched. Specimens are primarily sourced from specialized telluride-rich mining districts.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Weissite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this weissite?

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 weissite with a known reference. Weissite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Weissite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Weissite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, bluish black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Weissite leaves black, Bornite leaves greyish black.

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Often found alongside weissite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂₋ₓTe
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 6.8-7.1 g/cm³
Colors: Black Bluish Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Telluride Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find weissite

Classic worldwide localities

Good Hope mine, Colorado, USA
Vulcan, Colorado, USA
Karakol, Kazakhstan

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal telluride veins country — that is the host setting where weissite typically forms. If you start seeing rickardite, tellurium, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify weissite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, bluish black.

Where is weissite found?+

Notable localities include Good Hope mine, Colorado, USA; Vulcan, Colorado, USA; Karakol, Kazakhstan.

How much is weissite worth?+

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

Is weissite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium; avoid inhaling dust or ingesting particles during preparation or handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like weissite?+

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

What minerals are found with weissite?+

Weissite commonly co-occurs with Rickardite, Tellurium, Pyrite, Coloradoite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does weissite form in?+

Weissite typically forms in hydrothermal telluride veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is weissite used for?+

Weissite is used in collector.

Find weissite on the map

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