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 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chekhovichite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chekhovichite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Chekhovichite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Chekhovichite leaves yellowish-white, Tellurite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Rodalquilarite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4 vs. 2-3); streak differs — Chekhovichite leaves yellowish-white, Rodalquilarite leaves pale yellow.
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
- 2-3
- Density
- 6.12 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Tellurium-bearing Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500+ for micro-mounts and rare thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find chekhovichite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kyzyl-Tas, Altai Mountains, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal tellurium-bearing deposits country — that is the host setting where chekhovichite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurium, tellurite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chekhovichite?+
Where is chekhovichite found?+
How much is chekhovichite worth?+
Is chekhovichite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like chekhovichite?+
What minerals are found with chekhovichite?+
What kind of rock does chekhovichite form in?+
What is chekhovichite used for?+
Find chekhovichite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
