Tredouxite is an extremely rare nickel tellurite mineral discovered in the Bon Accord deposit. It typically occurs as microscopic black, opaque grains associated with other nickel-bearing minerals in metamorphosed ultramafic host rocks. Because of its extreme scarcity, it is sought after primarily by advanced mineral species collectors.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Tredouxite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this tredouxite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch tredouxite with a known reference. Tredouxite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tredouxite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tredouxite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

Tredouxite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Tredouxite and submetallic on Manaccanite.

Often found alongside tredouxite

Minerals reported to co-occur with tredouxite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: NiTeO₃
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 6.14 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Rocks
Typical price: $100-500+ for micro specimens

Where rockhounds find tredouxite

Classic worldwide localities

Bon Accord nickel deposit, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic rocks country, the host setting where tredouxite typically forms. If you start seeing trevorite, willemseite, bunsenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tredouxite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black.

Where is tredouxite found?+

Notable localities include Bon Accord nickel deposit, South Africa.

How much is tredouxite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ for micro specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is tredouxite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and nickel. Wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid inhaling dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like tredouxite?+

Tredouxite is most often confused with Manaccanite, Magnetite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with tredouxite?+

Tredouxite commonly co-occurs with Trevorite, Willemseite, Bunsenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tredouxite form in?+

Tredouxite typically forms in ultramafic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tredouxite used for?+

Tredouxite is used in collector.

Find tredouxite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.