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, so Bogdanovite leaves black, Sylvanite leaves gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Bogdanovite leaves black, Calaverite leaves yellowish-green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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