How do I identify Krut'aite?

Krut'aite can be identified by its hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

How hard is Krut'aite?

Krut'aite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Krut'aite

A variety of Minerals

What is Krut'aite?

Krut'aite or krutaite is a rare mineral with the formula CuSe2. It crystallises in the cubic crystal system. It is part of the pyrite group, being composed of Cu ions and Se2 ions. The mineral is most often found as a dark grey aggregate consisting of tiny crystals no more than a millimeter in size. The crystals are opaque in any size. It has no industrial use, but it is a prized collector's item.

Krut'aite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Krut'aite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Krut'aite Localities Map

See where Krut'aite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Krut'aite

Krut'aite forms through hydrothermal processes and is often associated with clausthalite, eskebornite, berzelianite, uraninite, hematite, ferroselite, bukovite, umangite, chalcopyrite and goethite. It forms a solid solution series with trogtalite. It was first identified in Petrovice, Okres Žďár nad Sázavou, Czech Republic, which is the only known locality in the Czech republic for the mineral, but it has since been identified in other places in the world. Notable is the El Dragón Mine, Antonio Quijarro Province, Bolivia, where crystals up to a millimeter in size have been found. Other localities include: Weintraube Mine, Lerbach, Rosenhof veins, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Harz, Lower Saxony, Germany. Tumiñico Mine, Sierra de Cacho, Villa Castelli, General La Madrid department, La Rioja, Argentina. Yutangba Selenium deposit, Enshi Co., Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (E'xi Autonomous Prefecture), Hubei Province, China.