Bellidoite is a rare copper selenide mineral typically found as microscopic grains or anhedral masses within hydrothermal selenide deposits. It is best identified by its high density and metallic luster, usually requiring X-ray diffraction or electron microprobe analysis for positive field identification due to its similarity to other selenide minerals.
Is this bellidoite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch bellidoite with a known reference. Bellidoite sits at Mohs <3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: silver gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microscopic grains, anhedral masses.
Often confused with
Bellidoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bellidoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bellidoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₂Se
- Mohs hardness
- <3
- Density
- 7.03 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic grains, anhedral masses
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Formed at medium to low temperatures with other hydrothermal selenides and sulfides
Where rockhounds find bellidoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Habrí, near Tisnova, Czech Republic
- Tuminico, Sierra de Cacho, La Rioja Province, Argentina
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Formed at medium to low temperatures with other hydrothermal selenides and sulfides. If you start seeing berzelianite, umangite, eskebornite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic grains, anhedral masses. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bellidoite?+
Where is bellidoite found?+
Is bellidoite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like bellidoite?+
What minerals are found with bellidoite?+
What kind of rock does bellidoite form in?+
What is bellidoite used for?+
Find bellidoite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
