Markhininite is an extremely rare silver telluride mineral first described from the Kochbulak deposit in Uzbekistan. It typically occurs as microscopic grains associated with other telluride species in hydrothermal gold-bearing veins, making it primarily of interest to advanced mineral collectors and researchers.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Markhininite

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

No image

Is this markhininite?

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 markhininite with a known reference. Markhininite 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. Markhininite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Markhininite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, grayish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular, massive, as small inclusions.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Empressite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2).

Often found alongside markhininite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₂Te
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 8.8-9.0 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Grayish
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Granular, Massive, As Small Inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Epithermal Gold-telluride Deposits
Typical price: $50-500+ for micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find markhininite

Classic worldwide localities

Kochbulak deposit, Uzbekistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in epithermal gold-telluride deposits country — that is the host setting where markhininite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, hessite, coloradoite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, as small inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify markhininite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, colorless, grayish.

Where is markhininite found?+

Notable localities include Kochbulak deposit, Uzbekistan.

How much is markhininite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500+ for micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is markhininite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and silver; handle with caution. Avoid dust inhalation or ingestion as heavy metal compounds can pose health risks. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like markhininite?+

Markhininite is most often confused with Hessite, Empressite, Acanthite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with markhininite?+

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

What kind of rock does markhininite form in?+

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

What is markhininite used for?+

Markhininite is used in collector.

Find markhininite on the map

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