Petrovskaite is a very rare silver gold sulfide mineral found in epithermal ore deposits. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains intergrown with other telluride minerals and native gold.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Petrovskaite

Petrovskaite is a very rare silver gold sulfide mineral found in epithermal ore deposits. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains intergrown with other telluride minerals and native gold.

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

No image

Is this petrovskaite?

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 petrovskaite with a known reference. Petrovskaite 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. Petrovskaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Petrovskaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, interstitial.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Petrovskaite leaves black, Petzite leaves iron-black.

Often found alongside petrovskaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: AgAuS
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 7.96 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Interstitial
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Epithermal Gold-telluride Deposits
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find petrovskaite

Classic worldwide localities

Petrovsk-Zabaykalsky, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in epithermal gold-telluride deposits country — that is the host setting where petrovskaite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, tellurobismuthite, petzite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, interstitial habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify petrovskaite?+

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

Where is petrovskaite found?+

Notable localities include Petrovsk-Zabaykalsky, Russia.

How much is petrovskaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is petrovskaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains silver and gold, but commonly associated with tellurides and heavy metals; handle with standard mineral safety protocols. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like petrovskaite?+

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

What minerals are found with petrovskaite?+

Petrovskaite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Tellurobismuthite, Petzite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does petrovskaite form in?+

Petrovskaite 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 petrovskaite used for?+

Petrovskaite is used in collector.

Find petrovskaite on the map

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