Radhakrishnaite is a rare lead telluride, typically white to gray. It occurs in a gold-quartz vein as a telluride. It was first described from Champion Reef mine, Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka, India.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Radhakrishnaite

Radhakrishnaite is a rare lead telluride, typically white to gray. It occurs in a gold-quartz vein as a telluride. It was first described from Champion Reef mine, Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka, India.

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

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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. 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: gray, reddish brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: aggregates, microscopic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5-2.75

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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(Cl,S)₂
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 8.89 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Reddish brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Aggregates, microscopic crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Of primary origin, in a hydrothermal gold-quartz vein containing sulfides and tellurides

Where rockhounds find radhakrishnaite

Classic worldwide localities

Champion Reef mine, Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka, India

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Of primary origin, in a hydrothermal gold-quartz vein containing sulfides and tellurides. If you start seeing galena, altaite, kolarite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify radhakrishnaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, reddish brown.

Where is radhakrishnaite found?+

Notable localities include Champion Reef mine, Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka, India.

Is radhakrishnaite safe to handle?+

Radhakrishnaite contains lead. Contains lead and tellurium; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or powder.

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 Galena, Altaite, Kolarite, Cotunnite, Volynskite, Hessite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does radhakrishnaite form in?+

Where it forms: Of primary origin, in a hydrothermal gold-quartz vein containing sulfides and tellurides. 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.