Kawazulite is a rare bismuth telluride mineral often found in hydrothermal gold-bearing veins. It typically presents as metallic, platy, or lamellar masses that are easily confused with other minerals in the tetradymite group due to their similar physical properties and gray, metallic appearance.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareTetradymite Group family

Kawazulite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Gray
Transparency: Opaque

Is this kawazulite?

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 kawazulite with a known reference. Kawazulite 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. Kawazulite leaves a gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kawazulite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: tin-white, lead-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy, lamellar, or massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Tetradymite

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kawazulite leaves gray, Tetradymite leaves lead-gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside kawazulite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Bi₂Te₂Se
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 7.5-8.0 g/cm³
Colors: Tin-white Lead-gray
Streak: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy, Lamellar, Or Massive
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kawazulite

Classic worldwide localities

Kawazu Mine, Japan
Boliden, Sweden
Mount Kasi, Fiji
Pueblo Viejo, Dominican Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where kawazulite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, pyrite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy, lamellar, or massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kawazulite?+

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

Where is kawazulite found?+

Notable localities include Kawazu Mine, Japan; Boliden, Sweden; Mount Kasi, Fiji; Pueblo Viejo, Dominican Republic.

How much is kawazulite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is kawazulite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and bismuth; avoid inhaling dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Contains potentially toxic heavy metals. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kawazulite?+

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

What minerals are found with kawazulite?+

Kawazulite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Tellurobismutite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kawazulite form in?+

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

What is kawazulite used for?+

Kawazulite is used in collector.

Find kawazulite on the map

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