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.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Cheremnykhite

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this cheremnykhite?

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 cheremnykhite with a known reference. Cheremnykhite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: greenish yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Denningite

Mohs 4

How to tell apart: Cheremnykhite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5.5 vs. 4).

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cheremnykhite leaves white, Emmonsite leaves pale yellow; luster reads adamantine on Cheremnykhite and vitreous on Emmonsite.

Compare →

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: Pb₃Zn₃TeO₆(VO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 6.44 g/cm³
Colors: Greenish yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular
Cleavage: One, perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A late-stage mineral in the oxidized zone of a tellurium-bearing gold deposit

Where rockhounds find cheremnykhite

Classic worldwide localities

Kuranakh gold deposit, near Aldan, Sakha, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A late-stage mineral in the oxidized zone of a tellurium-bearing gold deposit. If you start seeing kuksite, si-rich dugganite, yafsoanite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify cheremnykhite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. Luster: adamantine. The streak is white. Common colors include greenish yellow.

Where is cheremnykhite found?+

Notable localities include Kuranakh gold deposit, near Aldan, Sakha, Russia.

Is cheremnykhite safe to handle?+

Cheremnykhite contains lead and vanadium. Contains lead and tellurium; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust.

What rocks look like cheremnykhite?+

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

What minerals are found with cheremnykhite?+

Cheremnykhite commonly co-occurs with Kuksite, Si-rich dugganite, Yafsoanite, Descloizite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does cheremnykhite form in?+

Where it forms: A late-stage mineral in the oxidized zone of a tellurium-bearing gold deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is cheremnykhite used for?+

Cheremnykhite is used in collector.

Find cheremnykhite on the map

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