How do I identify Valleriite?

Valleriite can be identified by its hardness of 1 - 1.5 on the Mohs scale, Dark gray-bronze-yellow color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Valleriite?

Valleriite typically appears in Dark gray-bronze-yellow. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Valleriite?

Valleriite has a hardness of 1 - 1.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Valleriite

A variety of Minerals

What is Valleriite?

Valleriite is an uncommon sulfide mineral (hydroxysulfide) of iron and copper with formula: 4(Fe,Cu)S·3(Mg,Al)(OH)2 or (Fe,Cu)4(Mg,Al)3S4(OH,O)6. It is an opaque, soft, bronze-yellow to brown mineral which occurs as nodules or encrustations.

Valleriite Market Value Calculator

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

Valleriite Localities Map

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

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Valleriite

Valleriite was first described in 1870 from an occurrence in Västmanland, Sweden. It was named for Swedish chemist Johan Gottschalk Wallerius (Vallerius) (1709–1785). Valleriite occurs in dunites and chromitites replacing chalcopyrite in Cyprus. In Phalaborwa, South Africa it occurs as replacement of magnetite in a carbonatite. It occurs as replacements of copper and nickel phases in serpentinites and other altered ultramafic rocks.