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 — that is 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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