Ferrovorontsovite is an extremely rare thallium-bearing sulfosalt discovered in the Vorontsovskoe gold deposit. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains associated with other sulfide minerals in hydrothermal gold-bearing ores.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Ferrovorontsovite

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

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Is this ferrovorontsovite?

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 ferrovorontsovite with a known reference. Ferrovorontsovite sits at Mohs 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. Ferrovorontsovite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ferrovorontsovite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ferrovorontsovite leaves black, Enargite leaves grayish-black.

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Often found alongside ferrovorontsovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe₃TlAsS₅
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.56 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral to Subhedral Grains
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Epithermal Gold Deposits

Where rockhounds find ferrovorontsovite

Classic worldwide localities

Vorontsovskoe gold deposit, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal epithermal gold deposits country, the host setting where ferrovorontsovite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, realgar, orpiment in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ferrovorontsovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, dark gray.

Where is ferrovorontsovite found?+

Notable localities include Vorontsovskoe gold deposit, Russia.

Is ferrovorontsovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and thallium, both of which are toxic. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid ingestion of dust or inhalation during specimen preparation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ferrovorontsovite?+

Ferrovorontsovite is most often confused with Stannite, Germanite, Enargite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ferrovorontsovite?+

Ferrovorontsovite commonly co-occurs with pyrite, realgar, orpiment, gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ferrovorontsovite form in?+

Ferrovorontsovite typically forms in hydrothermal epithermal gold deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ferrovorontsovite used for?+

Ferrovorontsovite is used in collector.

Find ferrovorontsovite on the map

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