Telluronevskite is an extremely rare lead-bismuth telluride mineral that typically occurs as anhedral grains within hydrothermal quartz veins. It is most easily identified by its metallic lead-gray luster and perfect basal cleavage, though microscopic analysis is usually required for definitive identification.
Is this telluronevskite?
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 telluronevskite with a known reference. Telluronevskite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Telluronevskite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Telluronevskite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, silver-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Telluronevskite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside telluronevskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with telluronevskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₆Bi₂Te₇
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 8.12 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity
Where rockhounds find telluronevskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Nevskoye deposit, Magadan Oblast, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where telluronevskite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, bismuthinite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify telluronevskite?+
Where is telluronevskite found?+
How much is telluronevskite worth?+
Is telluronevskite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like telluronevskite?+
What minerals are found with telluronevskite?+
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Find telluronevskite on the map
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