Nekrasovite is a rare copper vanadium sulfosalt belonging to the tetrahedrite group. It typically occurs as small, metallic tetrahedral crystals within hydrothermal ore deposits and is highly prized by mineralogists for its scarcity and specific elemental composition.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareTetrahedrite Group family

Nekrasovite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this nekrasovite?

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 nekrasovite with a known reference. Nekrasovite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nekrasovite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nekrasovite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pinkish-brown, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside nekrasovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂₆V₂As₄S₃₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.95 g/cm³
Colors: Pinkish-brown Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Tetrahedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nekrasovite

Classic worldwide localities

Khaydarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan
Moctezuma mine, Mexico
Bor mine, Serbia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify nekrasovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include pinkish-brown, gray.

Where is nekrasovite found?+

Notable localities include Khaydarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan; Moctezuma mine, Mexico; Bor mine, Serbia.

How much is nekrasovite 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 nekrasovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if inhaled or ingested; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like nekrasovite?+

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

What minerals are found with nekrasovite?+

Nekrasovite commonly co-occurs with Enargite, Pyrite, Galena, Chalcopyrite, Tellurides. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nekrasovite form in?+

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

What is nekrasovite used for?+

Nekrasovite is used in collector.

Find nekrasovite on the map

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