Rucklidgeite is a rare lead-bismuth telluride mineral typically found as small, lead-gray metallic inclusions in gold-bearing hydrothermal veins. It is most easily identified in polished sections under reflected light by its distinct color and lamellar appearance.
Is this rucklidgeite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch rucklidgeite with a known reference. Rucklidgeite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rucklidgeite leaves a gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rucklidgeite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: lamellar grains, irregular masses.
Often confused with
Rucklidgeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside rucklidgeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rucklidgeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Pb,Bi)₃Te₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 8.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Lamellar Grains, Irregular Masses
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Gold-telluride Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per small specimen
Where rockhounds find rucklidgeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Republic Mine, Michigan, USA
- Zod gold deposit, Armenia
- Kyshtym, Russia
- Kalsaka, Burkina Faso
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal gold-telluride deposits country — that is the host setting where rucklidgeite typically forms. If you start seeing altaite, gold, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar grains, irregular masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rucklidgeite?+
Where is rucklidgeite found?+
How much is rucklidgeite worth?+
Is rucklidgeite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like rucklidgeite?+
What minerals are found with rucklidgeite?+
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Find rucklidgeite on the map
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