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 — that is 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.