Hanauerite is a rare silver mercury sulfide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2018. It was first described from the Schöne Aussicht Mine, Dernbach, Neuwied, Wied Iron Spar District, Westerwald, Germany.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellow-brown

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSphalerite family

Hanauerite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Resinous
Streak: Yellow-brown
Transparency: Translucent

Is this hanauerite?

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 hanauerite with a known reference. Hanauerite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hanauerite leaves a yellow-brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hanauerite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Sphalerite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hanauerite leaves yellow-brown, Sphalerite leaves white to yellow-brown; luster reads resinous on Hanauerite and resinous to submetallic on Sphalerite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hanauerite leaves yellow-brown, Wurtzite leaves brownish-yellow to light brown.

Compare →

Often found alongside hanauerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: AgHgSI
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.9-4.1 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Black
Streak: Yellow-brown
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins

Where rockhounds find hanauerite

Classic worldwide localities

Hanau, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where hanauerite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, calcite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground.

Common questions

How do you identify hanauerite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is yellow-brown. Common colors include yellow, brown, black.

Where is hanauerite found?+

Notable localities include Hanau, Germany.

Is hanauerite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like hanauerite?+

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

What minerals are found with hanauerite?+

Hanauerite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Calcite, Dolomite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hanauerite form in?+

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

What is hanauerite used for?+

Hanauerite is used in collector.

Find hanauerite on the map

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