Ingodite is a rare telluride mineral often occurring as thin, metallic gray lamellae in hydrothermal veins. It is visually indistinguishable from other members of the tetradymite group without X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis. Collectors typically seek it for its association with other rare bismuth minerals in specialized mineralogical assemblages.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Lead-gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareTetradymite Group family

Ingodite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Lead-gray
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this ingodite?

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 ingodite with a known reference. Ingodite 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. Ingodite leaves a lead-gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ingodite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel-gray, lead-gray, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: lamellar to tabular aggregates, massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ingodite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Bi₃TeS
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 7.8 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray Lead-gray Silver-white
Streak: Lead-gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Lamellar to Tabular Aggregates, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Gold-telluride Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ingodite

Classic worldwide localities

Ingoda River, Transbaikal, Russia
Srednogorie, Bulgaria
Baita Bihor, Romania

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal gold-telluride deposits country — that is the host setting where ingodite typically forms. If you start seeing bismuthinite, tellurobismuthite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar to tabular aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ingodite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is lead-gray. Common colors include steel-gray, lead-gray, silver-white.

Where is ingodite found?+

Notable localities include Ingoda River, Transbaikal, Russia; Srednogorie, Bulgaria; Baita Bihor, Romania.

How much is ingodite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is ingodite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains bismuth and tellurium; handle with care to avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ingodite?+

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

What minerals are found with ingodite?+

Ingodite commonly co-occurs with Bismuthinite, Tellurobismuthite, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ingodite form in?+

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

What is ingodite used for?+

Ingodite is used in collector.

Find ingodite on the map

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