Kadyrelite is an extremely rare mercury halide mineral found in the oxidation zones of mercury deposits. It typically presents as yellowish, adamantine granular masses and is named after its type locality in the Kadyrel deposit in Russia.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Kadyrelite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this kadyrelite?

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 kadyrelite with a known reference. Kadyrelite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kadyrelite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kadyrelite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular, massive, rare crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Calomel

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kadyrelite leaves yellow, Calomel leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kadyrelite leaves yellow, Eglestonite leaves yellowish-white.

Compare →

Often found alongside kadyrelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Hg₄BrClO
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 6.6 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Granular, Massive, Rare Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mercury Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find kadyrelite

Classic worldwide localities

Kadyrel mercury deposit, Tuva Republic, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mercury deposits country — that is the host setting where kadyrelite typically forms. If you start seeing cinnabar, calomel, mercury in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, rare crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kadyrelite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-green.

Where is kadyrelite found?+

Notable localities include Kadyrel mercury deposit, Tuva Republic, Russia.

How much is kadyrelite worth?+

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

Is kadyrelite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury; handle with extreme caution and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not inhale dust or allow to contact skin. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kadyrelite?+

Kadyrelite is most often confused with Calomel, Terlinguaite, Eglestonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kadyrelite?+

Kadyrelite commonly co-occurs with Cinnabar, Calomel, Mercury. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kadyrelite form in?+

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

What is kadyrelite used for?+

Kadyrelite is used in collector.

Find kadyrelite on the map

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