Baksanite is a rare bismuth telluride sulfide that typically appears as metallic, steel-gray plates. It is primarily found in skarn environments and is often difficult to distinguish from other members of the tetradymite group without analytical verification.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareTetradymite Group family

Baksanite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Gray
Transparency: Opaque

Is this baksanite?

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 baksanite with a known reference. Baksanite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Baksanite leaves a gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Baksanite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel-gray, lead-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, foliated masses.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Tetradymite

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Baksanite leaves gray, Tetradymite leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Baksanite leaves gray, Tellurobismuthite leaves lead-gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside baksanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Bi₆Te₂S₃
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 7.58 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray Lead-gray
Streak: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Foliated Masses
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Research
Host rock: Skarn Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find baksanite

Classic worldwide localities

Tyrnyauz, Caucasus, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn deposits country, the host setting where baksanite typically forms. If you start seeing bismuthinite, quartz, molybdenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, foliated masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify baksanite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is gray. Common colors include steel-gray, lead-gray.

Where is baksanite found?+

Notable localities include Tyrnyauz, Caucasus, Russia.

How much is baksanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is baksanite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains bismuth and tellurium; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like baksanite?+

Baksanite is most often confused with Tetradymite, Tellurobismuthite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with baksanite?+

Baksanite commonly co-occurs with Bismuthinite, Quartz, Molybdenite, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does baksanite form in?+

Baksanite typically forms in skarn deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is baksanite used for?+

Baksanite is used in collector, research.

Find baksanite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.