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 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: golden, yellow, orange.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bronze, golden yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: microscopic crystals.
Often confused with
Bezsmertnovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Bezsmertnovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2.5-3); streak differs, so Bezsmertnovite leaves golden, yellow, orange, Gold leaves yellow.
How to tell apart: Bezsmertnovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2.5-3); streak differs, so Bezsmertnovite leaves golden, yellow, orange, Calaverite leaves greenish to yellowish gray.
How to tell apart: Bezsmertnovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs, so Bezsmertnovite leaves golden, yellow, orange, Kostovite leaves black.
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
- (Au,Ag)₄Cu(Te,Pb)
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 16.3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Golden, yellow, orange
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the cementation zone of a volcanogenic gold telluride deposit, rarely as rims around grains of gold
Where rockhounds find bezsmertnovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Aginsk gold telluride deposit, Kamchatka, Far Eastern Region, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the cementation zone of a volcanogenic gold telluride deposit, rarely as rims around grains of gold. If you start seeing bilibinskite, bogdanovite, gold in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find bezsmertnovite on the map
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