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 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: steel gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: lath, massive, prismatic.
Often confused with
Telluronevskite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Telluronevskite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5-2.75); streak differs, so Telluronevskite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Telluronevskite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs, so Telluronevskite leaves black, Tetradymite leaves pale steel-gray.
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
- Bi₃TeSe₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 8.1 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Lath, massive, prismatic
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In opal-quartz veinlets and as disseminated grains in ‘secondary quartzite’ that was formed by contact metamorphism or hydrothermal alteration of volcanic rocks
Where rockhounds find telluronevskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vihorlat Mountains, near Košice, eastern Slovakia, Slovak Republic
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In opal-quartz veinlets and as disseminated grains in ‘secondary quartzite’ that was formed by contact metamorphism or hydrothermal alteration of volcanic rocks. If you start seeing quartz, opal in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: lath, massive, prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify telluronevskite?+
Where is telluronevskite found?+
Is telluronevskite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like telluronevskite?+
What minerals are found with telluronevskite?+
What kind of rock does telluronevskite form in?+
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Find telluronevskite on the map
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