Chenguodaite is a rare silver copper lead telluride mineral discovered in the Laowan gold deposit in China. It typically appears as microscopic grains within metallic mineral assemblages and is identified through advanced electron microprobe analysis due to its rarity and small crystal size.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Chenguodaite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this chenguodaite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch chenguodaite with a known reference. Chenguodaite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chenguodaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chenguodaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: granular aggregates.

Often confused with

Chenguodaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Chenguodaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Chenguodaite leaves black, Tellurobismuthite leaves lead-gray.

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Often found alongside chenguodaite

Minerals reported to co-occur with chenguodaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag,Cu,Pb,Te
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 7.94 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Gold-bearing Quartz Veins
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find chenguodaite

Classic worldwide localities

Laowan Gold Mine, Henan Province, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal gold-bearing quartz veins country — that is the host setting where chenguodaite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, galena, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chenguodaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include silver-white.

Where is chenguodaite found?+

Notable localities include Laowan Gold Mine, Henan Province, China.

How much is chenguodaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is chenguodaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and lead; avoid inhaling dust or handling without precautions, wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like chenguodaite?+

Chenguodaite is most often confused with Hessite, Tellurobismuthite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chenguodaite?+

Chenguodaite commonly co-occurs with Pyrite, Galena, Chalcopyrite, Gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chenguodaite form in?+

Chenguodaite typically forms in hydrothermal gold-bearing quartz veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chenguodaite used for?+

Chenguodaite is used in collector.

Find chenguodaite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.