Chekhovichite is a very rare tellurite mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of hydrothermal deposits. Collectors typically look for its distinct yellow, platy crystals that often form radial aggregates in association with other tellurium minerals.
Is this chekhovichite?
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 chekhovichite with a known reference. Chekhovichite sits at Mohs ~4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray green, gray white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: microscopic crystals, subhedral crystals, twinning common.
Often confused with
Chekhovichite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Chekhovichite is noticeably harder (Mohs ~4 vs. 2); luster reads adamantine on Chekhovichite and subadamantine on Tellurite.
How to tell apart: Chekhovichite is noticeably harder (Mohs ~4 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Chekhovichite leaves white, Rodalquilarite leaves greenish yellow; luster reads adamantine on Chekhovichite and greasy on Rodalquilarite.
Often found alongside chekhovichite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chekhovichite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Bi₂Te₄O₁₁
- Mohs hardness
- ~4
- Density
- 6.88 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic crystals, subhedral crystals, twinning common
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {hk0}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare oxidation product of earlier tellurium-bearing minerals
Where rockhounds find chekhovichite
Classic worldwide localities
- Zod deposit, 14 km east of Vardenis, Armenia
- Zhana-Tyube and Northern Aksu deposits, north Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare oxidation product of earlier tellurium-bearing minerals. If you start seeing tellurobismuthite, pyrite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic crystals, subhedral crystals, twinning common. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find chekhovichite on the map
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