Tvalchrelidzeite is an extremely rare mercury sulfosalt found primarily in epithermal mercury-antimony deposits. It appears as metallic, dark gray to black grains and is characterized by its high density and complex chemical composition. Collectors typically acquire this mineral as small grains within associated mercury-bearing ore matrices.
Is this tvalchrelidzeite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch tvalchrelidzeite with a known reference. Tvalchrelidzeite sits at Mohs <3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: nearly black, with a dark reddish tint.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, granular.
Often confused with
Tvalchrelidzeite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Tvalchrelidzeite leaves nearly black, with a dark reddish tint, Cinnabar leaves scarlet.
How to tell apart: Tvalchrelidzeite is noticeably harder (Mohs <3 vs. 2); streak differs, so Tvalchrelidzeite leaves nearly black, with a dark reddish tint, Livingstonite leaves red.
How to tell apart: Tvalchrelidzeite is noticeably harder (Mohs <3 vs. 2); streak differs, so Tvalchrelidzeite leaves nearly black, with a dark reddish tint, Stibnite leaves lead-gray; luster reads adamantine on Tvalchrelidzeite and metallic, splendent on cleavage surfaces on Stibnite.
Often found alongside tvalchrelidzeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with tvalchrelidzeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Hg₃SbAsS₃
- Mohs hardness
- <3
- Density
- 7.380 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Nearly black, with a dark reddish tint
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, granular
- Cleavage
- Perfect in one direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In gold-bearing hydrothermal As–Sb–Hg deposits
Where rockhounds find tvalchrelidzeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Getchell mine, Potosi district, Humboldt Co., Nevada, USA
- Gomi deposit, Caucasus Mountains, Georgia (type locality)
- Tyute mercury deposit, Altai Mountains, Russia
- Chauvai Sb–Hg deposit, Fergana Valley, Alai Range, southern Kyrgyzstan
- Hemlo gold deposit, Thunder Bay district, Ontario, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In gold-bearing hydrothermal As–Sb–Hg deposits. If you start seeing cinnabar, metacinnabar, realgar in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify tvalchrelidzeite?+
Where is tvalchrelidzeite found?+
Is tvalchrelidzeite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like tvalchrelidzeite?+
What minerals are found with tvalchrelidzeite?+
What kind of rock does tvalchrelidzeite form in?+
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Find tvalchrelidzeite on the map
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