Tellurobismuthite is a soft, sectile bismuth telluride that typically appears as metallic, silver-white foliated masses. It is often found in hydrothermal ore deposits and is highly prized by collectors for its distinctive metallic luster and perfect basal cleavage, which makes it look similar to flaky molybdenite.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Lead-gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineraluncommon

Tellurobismuthite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Lead-gray
Transparency: Opaque

Is this tellurobismuthite?

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 tellurobismuthite with a known reference. Tellurobismuthite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tellurobismuthite leaves a lead-gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tellurobismuthite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, tin-white, lead-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, foliated masses, lamellar aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tellurobismuthite leaves lead-gray, Molybdenite leaves greenish-gray.

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Often found alongside tellurobismuthite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Bi₂Te₃
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 7.8-8.2 g/cm³
Colors: White Tin-white Lead-gray
Streak: Lead-gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Foliated Masses, Lamellar Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Hydrothermal Gold-tellurium Veins
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail specimens

Where rockhounds find tellurobismuthite

Classic worldwide localities

Boliden, Sweden
Moctezuma, Mexico
Glavitsa, Bulgaria
Dashkesan, Azerbaijan

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal gold-tellurium veins country — that is the host setting where tellurobismuthite typically forms. If you start seeing tetradymite, gold, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, foliated masses, lamellar aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tellurobismuthite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is lead-gray. Common colors include white, tin-white, lead-gray.

Where is tellurobismuthite found?+

Notable localities include Boliden, Sweden; Moctezuma, Mexico; Glavitsa, Bulgaria; Dashkesan, Azerbaijan.

How much is tellurobismuthite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is tellurobismuthite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and bismuth; wear gloves when handling, avoid inhaling dust during preparation or cleaning as compounds can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like tellurobismuthite?+

Tellurobismuthite is most often confused with Bismuthinite, Tetradymite, Molybdenite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with tellurobismuthite?+

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

What kind of rock does tellurobismuthite form in?+

Tellurobismuthite typically forms in hydrothermal gold-tellurium veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tellurobismuthite used for?+

Tellurobismuthite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find tellurobismuthite on the map

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