Erazoite is a rare copper tin sulfide, typically black. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2014. It was first described from the Chilena mine, Atacama desert, Antofagasta Province, Chile.
Is this erazoite?
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 erazoite with a known reference. Erazoite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Erazoite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Erazoite typically shows a metallic to submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, aggregates.
Often confused with
Erazoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Erazoite leaves black, Realgar leaves orange-red; luster reads metallic to submetallic on Erazoite and resinous on Realgar.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Erazoite leaves black, Orpiment leaves yellow; luster reads metallic to submetallic on Erazoite and resinous on Orpiment.
Often found alongside erazoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with erazoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₄SnS₆
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 4.53 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic to Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Deposits
Where rockhounds find erazoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Allchar, North Macedonia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal deposits country, the host setting where erazoite typically forms. If you start seeing realgar, orpiment, lorandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find erazoite on the map
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