Christite is a very rare thallium-mercury sulfosalt that typically occurs as tiny, brilliant red tabular crystals. It is primarily found in association with realgar and other thallium minerals in specific gold-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Because of its toxicity and rarity, it is sought after exclusively by advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Orange-red

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Christite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Orange-red
Transparency: Transparent

Is this christite?

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 christite with a known reference. Christite sits at Mohs 1.5-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Christite leaves a orange-red streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Christite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, deep red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: small tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Realgar

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Christite and resinous on Realgar.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Christite leaves orange-red, Cinnabar leaves scarlet.

Often found alongside christite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: TlHgAsS₃
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Red Deep Red
Streak: Orange-red
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Small Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Sedimentary Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 for small thumbnail specimens

Where rockhounds find christite

Classic worldwide localities

Carlin gold mine, Nevada, USA
Getchell mine, Nevada, USA
Allchar, North Macedonia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in sedimentary deposits country, the host setting where christite typically forms. If you start seeing realgar, orpiment, lorándite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify christite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is orange-red. Common colors include red, deep red.

Where is christite found?+

Notable localities include Carlin gold mine, Nevada, USA; Getchell mine, Nevada, USA; Allchar, North Macedonia.

How much is christite worth?+

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

Is christite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains thallium, mercury, and arsenic; handle with extreme caution and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like christite?+

Christite is most often confused with Realgar, Cinnabar, Smithite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with christite?+

Christite commonly co-occurs with Realgar, Orpiment, Lorándite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does christite form in?+

Christite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in sedimentary deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is christite used for?+

Christite is used in collector.

Find christite on the map

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