Bezsmertnovite is an exceptionally rare gold-copper telluride mineral typically found as tiny microscopic grains within epithermal ore deposits. It is best identified through laboratory analysis of polished sections in ore microscopy due to its distinct pinkish-cream color and high density. It is highly sought after by advanced collectors of rare telluride species.
Is this bezsmertnovite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch bezsmertnovite with a known reference. Bezsmertnovite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bezsmertnovite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bezsmertnovite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pinkish-cream, pale rose.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Bezsmertnovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Bezsmertnovite leaves black, Gold leaves golden yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Bezsmertnovite leaves black, Calaverite leaves yellowish-green.
How to tell apart: Bezsmertnovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2).
Often found alongside bezsmertnovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bezsmertnovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Au₄Cu(Te,Pb)
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 12.7 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Epithermal Gold-telluride Deposits
- Typical price
- $200-1000+ for rare micro-specimens
Where rockhounds find bezsmertnovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Aginskoe deposit, Kamchatka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in epithermal gold-telluride deposits country — that is the host setting where bezsmertnovite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, tellurobismutite, altaite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bezsmertnovite?+
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Find bezsmertnovite on the map
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