Hemusite
A variety of Minerals
What is Hemusite?
Hemusite is a very rare isometric gray mineral containing copper, molybdenum, sulfur, and tin with chemical formula Cu6SnMoS8. It was discovered by Bulgarian mineralogist Georgi Terziev in 1963. He also described it and named it after Haemus, the ancient name of Stara planina (Balkan) mountains in Europe. The type locality is Chelopech copper ore deposit, Bulgaria. Later tiny deposits of hemusite were found in Ozernovskoe deposit, Kamchatka, Russia; Kawazu mine, Rendaiji, Shimoda city, Chūbu region, Honshu Island, Japan; Iriki mine, Iriki, Satsuma-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu Region, Japan; Kochbulak deposit, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Hemusite occurs as rounded isometric grains and aggregates usually about 0.05 mm in diameter and in association with enargite, luzonite, colusite, stannoidite, renierite, tennantite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, and other minerals.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Hemusite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Hemusite Localities Map
See where Hemusite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Gray
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4
- Density
- 4.469 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu6SnMoS8
- Elements
- Cu, Mo, S, Sn
Identify Hemusite Instantly
- Snap a photo, get instant results
- 6,700+ rocks, minerals & crystals
- Discover collecting spots near you
Hemusite FAQs
How do I identify Hemusite?
Hemusite can be identified by its hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, Gray color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Hemusite?
Hemusite typically appears in Gray. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Hemusite?
Hemusite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
%252FAbenakiite-(ce)-01.jpg&size=small)
