Wumuite is a rare nickel telluride mineral typically found as small, platy metallic crystals within hydrothermal ore deposits. It is best identified through laboratory analysis such as electron microprobe or X-ray diffraction due to its macroscopic similarity to other telluride species.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Wumuite

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

Is this wumuite?

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 wumuite with a known reference. Wumuite 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. Wumuite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Wumuite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, fine-grained aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Melonite

Mohs 1-1.5

How to tell apart: Wumuite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1-1.5).

Often found alongside wumuite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NiTe₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 7.35 g/cm³
Colors: Black Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Fine-grained Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nickel-telluride-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find wumuite

Classic worldwide localities

Wumu, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in nickel-telluride-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where wumuite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, fine-grained aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify wumuite?+

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

Where is wumuite found?+

Notable localities include Wumu, China.

How much is wumuite 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 wumuite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium; avoid inhaling dust or powder during lapidary work and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like wumuite?+

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

What minerals are found with wumuite?+

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

What kind of rock does wumuite form in?+

Wumuite typically forms in nickel-telluride-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is wumuite used for?+

Wumuite is used in collector.

Find wumuite on the map

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