Tellurohauchecornite is a very rare sulfide mineral belonging to the hauchecornite group, characterized by its distinct bronze-yellow metallic appearance. It is typically found in nickel-copper sulfide ore deposits associated with other metallic sulfides. Collectors mainly prize it for its rarity and its place within the complex mineralogy of sulfide ore bodies.
Is this tellurohauchecornite?
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 tellurohauchecornite with a known reference. Tellurohauchecornite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tellurohauchecornite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tellurohauchecornite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bronze, pale brass yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Tellurohauchecornite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Tellurohauchecornite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 3); streak differs — Tellurohauchecornite leaves black, Bismutite leaves white; luster reads metallic on Tellurohauchecornite and pearly on Bismutite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tellurohauchecornite leaves black, Pentlandite leaves light bronze-brown.
Often found alongside tellurohauchecornite
Minerals reported to co-occur with tellurohauchecornite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ni₉TeBi₂S₈
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 7.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nickel-copper Sulfide Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find tellurohauchecornite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kalliosalo, Finland
- Sudbury District, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nickel-copper sulfide ore deposits country — that is the host setting where tellurohauchecornite typically forms. If you start seeing pentlandite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify tellurohauchecornite?+
Where is tellurohauchecornite found?+
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What rocks look like tellurohauchecornite?+
What minerals are found with tellurohauchecornite?+
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Find tellurohauchecornite on the map
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