Cheremnykhite is an extremely rare lead-zinc tellurate mineral discovered in the oxidized zone of the Khareir deposit in Russia. It typically presents as small yellow platy crystals or granular masses associated with other rare tellurates. Collectors value it primarily for its unique chemical composition and scarcity in the mineral market.
Is this cheremnykhite?
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 cheremnykhite with a known reference. Cheremnykhite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cheremnykhite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cheremnykhite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Cheremnykhite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside cheremnykhite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cheremnykhite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃Zn₃Te⁴⁺₆O₂₀
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 6.08 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Tellurium-bearing Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500+ for micro-specimens
Where rockhounds find cheremnykhite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khareir deposit, Altai Mountains, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal tellurium-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where cheremnykhite typically forms. If you start seeing dugganite, quetzalcoatlite, zemannite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cheremnykhite?+
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Find cheremnykhite on the map
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