Radhakrishnaite is an extremely rare lead-silver-copper telluride mineral found primarily in epithermal gold deposits. It usually occurs as microscopic grains associated with other tellurides, making it difficult to identify without laboratory analysis like EDS or X-ray diffraction.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarenull family

Radhakrishnaite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this radhakrishnaite?

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 radhakrishnaite with a known reference. Radhakrishnaite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Radhakrishnaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Radhakrishnaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, interstitial masses.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Radhakrishnaite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

Often found alongside radhakrishnaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbTe₃(Ag,Cu)₂
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 9.4-9.6 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Interstitial Masses
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Epithermal Gold-telluride Deposits
Typical price: expensive due to extreme rarity

Where rockhounds find radhakrishnaite

Classic worldwide localities

Kochbulak gold deposit, Uzbekistan

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify radhakrishnaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, gray.

Where is radhakrishnaite found?+

Notable localities include Kochbulak gold deposit, Uzbekistan.

How much is radhakrishnaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of expensive due to extreme rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is radhakrishnaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and tellurium; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or powder. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like radhakrishnaite?+

Radhakrishnaite is most often confused with Galena, Altaite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with radhakrishnaite?+

Radhakrishnaite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Altaite, Tetradymite, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does radhakrishnaite form in?+

Radhakrishnaite 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 radhakrishnaite used for?+

Radhakrishnaite is used in collector.

Find radhakrishnaite on the map

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