Schachnerite is a rare silver-mercury amalgam typically found as microscopic grains or intergrowths within mercury-rich deposits. It is best identified through laboratory analysis of its metallic, silver-white appearance in specialized hydrothermal mineral assemblages.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAmalgam Group family

Schachnerite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

Is this schachnerite?

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 schachnerite with a known reference. Schachnerite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: metallic.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic inclusions.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Schachnerite and bright metallic on Moschellandsbergite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Schachnerite leaves metallic, Silver leaves silver-white.

Compare →

Often found alongside schachnerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₁₁.₀-₁.₁Hg₀.₉-₁.₀
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 13.52 g/cm³
Colors: Silver gray
Streak: Metallic
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains, microscopic inclusions
Cleavage: Indistinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Found in the zone of oxidation, formed by the alteration of moschellandsbergite

Where rockhounds find schachnerite

Classic worldwide localities

Vertraun Gott mercury mine at Landsberg, near Obermoschel, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Sala, Viistmanland, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Found in the zone of oxidation, formed by the alteration of moschellandsbergite. If you start seeing paraschachnerite, mercurian silver, acanthite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic inclusions. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify schachnerite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. Luster: metallic. The streak is metallic. Common colors include silver gray.

Where is schachnerite found?+

Notable localities include Vertraun Gott mercury mine at Landsberg, near Obermoschel, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany; Sala, Viistmanland, Sweden.

Is schachnerite safe to handle?+

Schachnerite contains mercury and calls for real care. Contains significant amounts of mercury; handle with extreme caution, avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like schachnerite?+

Schachnerite is most often confused with Paraschachnerite, Moschellandsbergite, Silver. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with schachnerite?+

Schachnerite commonly co-occurs with Paraschachnerite, Mercurian silver, Acanthite, Cinnabar, Ankerite, Limonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does schachnerite form in?+

Where it forms: Found in the zone of oxidation, formed by the alteration of moschellandsbergite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is schachnerite used for?+

Schachnerite is used in collector.

Find schachnerite on the map

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