Tsygankoite is an exceptionally rare thallium-manganese mercury sulfosalt discovered at the Vorontsovskoye gold deposit in the Urals. It typically occurs as microscopic grains within complex sulfide-rich hydrothermal mineral assemblages and is prized primarily by advanced mineral species collectors.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Tsygankoite

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

Is this tsygankoite?

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 tsygankoite with a known reference. Tsygankoite 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. Tsygankoite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tsygankoite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel-gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Tsygankoite leaves black, Bournonite leaves steel-gray.

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Often found alongside tsygankoite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn₈Tl₈Hg₂Sb₂S₂₀
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 6.8 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Gold Deposits
Typical price: expensive

Where rockhounds find tsygankoite

Classic worldwide localities

Vorontsovskoye gold deposit, Ural Mountains, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal gold deposits country, the host setting where tsygankoite typically forms. If you start seeing realgar, orpiment, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tsygankoite?+

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

Where is tsygankoite found?+

Notable localities include Vorontsovskoye gold deposit, Ural Mountains, Russia.

How much is tsygankoite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of expensive. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is tsygankoite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains thallium and mercury, both of which are toxic heavy metals; handle with extreme caution and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like tsygankoite?+

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

What minerals are found with tsygankoite?+

Tsygankoite commonly co-occurs with realgar, orpiment, pyrite, galkhaite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tsygankoite form in?+

Tsygankoite typically forms in hydrothermal gold deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tsygankoite used for?+

Tsygankoite is used in collector.

Find tsygankoite on the map

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