The facts
What mohawkite actually is
Mineralogically, mohawkite is domeykite and algodonite with native copper in quartz — Cu₃As and Cu₆As in SiO₂, crystallising in the aggregate system.
The colour is caused by brass-yellow to silvery metallic copper arsenides in white quartz, tarnishing to grey and gold-brown. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer gives nothing, because the material is opaque, and the specific gravity sits near 3.5–6.0 depending on metal content; cleavage is none.
Where mohawkite comes from
The recognised sources are Mohawk Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan, USA and Ahmeek, Michigan, USA.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How mohawkite is treated
Untreated but arsenic-bearing: never grind dry, and wash hands after handling. A Keweenaw copper-district material from long-closed mines, so only old stock circulates. It tarnishes and needs occasional repolishing.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What mohawkite is confused with
The usual confusions are Chalcopyrite, Bornite, Pyrite and Marcasite.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 3.5–6.0 depending on metal content, hardness of 3–3.5 in the metallic phases, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What mohawkite is used for
Mohawkite is bought by mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen.
Durability and care
Hardness 3–3.5 in the metallic phases; cleavage none. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What mohawkite costs
Indicative pricing for mohawkite is Cabochons 25–120 USD; specimens 30–300 USD.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is mohawkite treated, and how?
Untreated but arsenic-bearing: never grind dry, and wash hands after handling. A Keweenaw copper-district material from long-closed mines, so only old stock circulates. It tarnishes and needs occasional repolishing.
Where does mohawkite come from?
Mohawk Mine, Keweenaw County, Michigan, USA and Ahmeek, Michigan, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is mohawkite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3–3.5 in the metallic phases on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does mohawkite cost?
Indicatively Cabochons 25–120 USD; specimens 30–300 USD. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is mohawkite confused with?
Most often Chalcopyrite, Bornite, Pyrite and Marcasite. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 3.5–6.0 depending on metal content, hardness and magnification.
Related stones
Looking for mohawkite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about mohawkite