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, so Tellurohauchecornite leaves black, Bismutite leaves white; luster reads metallic on Tellurohauchecornite and pearly on Bismutite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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