Kochkarite is a rare lead bismuth telluride mineral found primarily in gold-bearing hydrothermal deposits. It is often identified by its metallic luster and soft, platy or tabular crystal habits, requiring X-ray diffraction or microprobe analysis for positive identification.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Kochkarite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this kochkarite?

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 kochkarite with a known reference. Kochkarite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kochkarite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kochkarite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel-gray, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

Kochkarite 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 — Kochkarite leaves black, Tetradymite leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kochkarite leaves black, Tellurobismuthite leaves lead-gray.

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Often found alongside kochkarite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbBi₂Te₄
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 7.3-7.5 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Gold-bearing Quartz Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kochkarite

Classic worldwide localities

Kochkar deposit, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal gold-bearing quartz veins country — that is the host setting where kochkarite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, pyrite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kochkarite?+

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

Where is kochkarite found?+

Notable localities include Kochkar deposit, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia.

How much is kochkarite 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 kochkarite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and tellurium; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kochkarite?+

Kochkarite 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 kochkarite?+

Kochkarite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Pyrite, Galena, Gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kochkarite form in?+

Kochkarite typically forms in hydrothermal gold-bearing quartz veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kochkarite used for?+

Kochkarite is used in collector.

Find kochkarite on the map

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