Smirnite is a very rare tellurium oxide mineral typically occurring as thin, platy crystals in oxidized telluride ores. It is primarily found in the Kairagach deposit of Uzbekistan and is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors due to its rarity and high density.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Smirnite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this smirnite?

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 smirnite with a known reference. Smirnite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Smirnite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Smirnite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Tellurite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Smirnite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Smirnite leaves yellow, Tellurite leaves white.

How to tell apart: Smirnite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Smirnite leaves yellow, Paratellurite leaves white.

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Often found alongside smirnite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Te₂O₃
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 8.52 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Gold-telluride Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find smirnite

Classic worldwide localities

Kairagach deposit, Uzbekistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized gold-telluride ore deposits country — that is the host setting where smirnite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurite, emmonsite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify smirnite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is smirnite found?+

Notable localities include Kairagach deposit, Uzbekistan.

How much is smirnite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is smirnite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Smirnite contains tellurium, which can be toxic; handle with care and avoid inhaling dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like smirnite?+

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

What minerals are found with smirnite?+

Smirnite commonly co-occurs with Tellurite, Emmonsite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does smirnite form in?+

Smirnite typically forms in oxidized gold-telluride ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is smirnite used for?+

Smirnite is used in collector.

Find smirnite on the map

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