Bogdanovite is a rare gold-copper-telluride mineral typically found as microscopic grains or intergrowths within hydrothermal ore deposits. It is primarily a collector's mineral due to its scarcity and often requires electron microprobe analysis for positive identification.
Is this bogdanovite?
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 bogdanovite with a known reference. Bogdanovite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bogdanovite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bogdanovite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale yellow, white, creamy-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions.
Often confused with
Bogdanovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Bogdanovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-4 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Bogdanovite leaves black, Sylvanite leaves gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Bogdanovite leaves black, Calaverite leaves yellowish-green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Bogdanovite leaves black, Gold leaves golden yellow.
Often found alongside bogdanovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bogdanovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Au,Te,Pb)₃(Cu,Fe)
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 11.27 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Inclusions
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Epithermal Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 for microscopic/thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find bogdanovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kyzyl-Tashtyg deposit, Russia
- Kochbulak deposit, Uzbekistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in epithermal hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where bogdanovite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, sylvanite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find bogdanovite on the map
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