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

4.5-5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareTetrahedrite Group family

Nekrasovite

Hardness: 4.5-5
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 4.5-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: reddish brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nekrasovite leaves black, Tennantite leaves reddish gray.

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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: Cu₉Cu₄VSn₃S₁₆
Mohs hardness: 4.5-5
Density: 4.62 g/cm³
Colors: Reddish brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In ore aggregates within propylitic andesites and dacites (Khayragatsch deposit, Uzbekistan)

Where rockhounds find nekrasovite

Classic worldwide localities

Campbell mine, Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA
Khayragatsch gold deposit, Chatkal-Kuramin Mountains, eastern Uzbekistan (type locality)
Neves-Corvo, Portugal
Persenk district, Rhodopes Mountains, Bulgaria

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In ore aggregates within propylitic andesites and dacites (Khayragatsch deposit, Uzbekistan). If you start seeing tetrahedrite–tennantite, luzonite–famatinite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nekrasovite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5-5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include reddish brown.

Where is nekrasovite found?+

Notable localities include Campbell mine, Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA; Khayragatsch gold deposit, Chatkal-Kuramin Mountains, eastern Uzbekistan (type locality); Neves-Corvo, Portugal; Persenk district, Rhodopes Mountains, Bulgaria.

Is nekrasovite safe to handle?+

Nekrasovite contains copper and vanadium. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if inhaled or ingested; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

What rocks look like nekrasovite?+

Nekrasovite is most often confused with Tetrahedrite, Tennantite. 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 Tetrahedrite–tennantite, Luzonite–famatinite, Pyrite, Mawsonite, Chalcopyrite, Emplectite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nekrasovite form in?+

Where it forms: In ore aggregates within propylitic andesites and dacites (Khayragatsch deposit, Uzbekistan). 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.