Aurihydrargyrumite is a rare gold-mercury alloy occurring as small metallic grains or tabular crystals. It is primarily found in epithermal gold deposits where mercury mineralization is present. Due to its extreme rarity and mercury content, it is primarily of interest to advanced mineralogists and specialist collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Golden Yellow

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Aurihydrargyrumite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Golden Yellow
Transparency: Opaque

Is this aurihydrargyrumite?

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 aurihydrargyrumite with a known reference. Aurihydrargyrumite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aurihydrargyrumite leaves a golden yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Aurihydrargyrumite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gold, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside aurihydrargyrumite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Au₆Hg₅
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 15.9 g/cm³
Colors: Gold Yellow
Streak: Golden Yellow
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Quartz Veins
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find aurihydrargyrumite

Classic worldwide localities

Kusadere, Turkey

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal quartz veins country — that is the host setting where aurihydrargyrumite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, quartz, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify aurihydrargyrumite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is golden yellow. Common colors include gold, yellow.

Where is aurihydrargyrumite found?+

Notable localities include Kusadere, Turkey.

How much is aurihydrargyrumite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is aurihydrargyrumite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury; handle with caution, avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or skin contact. Store in a sealed container. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like aurihydrargyrumite?+

Aurihydrargyrumite is most often confused with Gold. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with aurihydrargyrumite?+

Aurihydrargyrumite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Quartz, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does aurihydrargyrumite form in?+

Aurihydrargyrumite typically forms in hydrothermal quartz veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is aurihydrargyrumite used for?+

Aurihydrargyrumite is used in collector.

Find aurihydrargyrumite on the map

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