Tsnigriite is a rare silver antimony telluride mineral known primarily from epithermal gold-telluride deposits in Uzbekistan. It is typically found as microscopic grains or small aggregates associated with other tellurides and sulfides, making it difficult to identify without laboratory analysis like EDS or X-ray diffraction.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Tsnigriite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this tsnigriite?

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 tsnigriite with a known reference. Tsnigriite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tsnigriite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tsnigriite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: granular to massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Petzite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tsnigriite leaves black, Petzite leaves iron-black.

Often found alongside tsnigriite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₄SbTe₃
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 7.3-7.5 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Granular to Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Epithermal Gold-silver Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find tsnigriite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsnigri deposit, Uzbekistan
Kochbulak gold deposit, Uzbekistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in epithermal gold-silver deposits country — that is the host setting where tsnigriite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, tetrahedrite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular to massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tsnigriite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include dark gray, black.

Where is tsnigriite found?+

Notable localities include Tsnigri deposit, Uzbekistan; Kochbulak gold deposit, Uzbekistan.

How much is tsnigriite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is tsnigriite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains silver, antimony, and tellurium; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like tsnigriite?+

Tsnigriite is most often confused with Petzite, Hessite, Stephanite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with tsnigriite?+

Tsnigriite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Tetrahedrite, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tsnigriite form in?+

Tsnigriite typically forms in epithermal gold-silver deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tsnigriite used for?+

Tsnigriite is used in collector.

Find tsnigriite on the map

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