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 — 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 — that is 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.