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 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tvalchrelidzeite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tvalchrelidzeite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, massive.
Often confused with
Tvalchrelidzeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tvalchrelidzeite leaves black, Cinnabar leaves scarlet; luster reads metallic on Tvalchrelidzeite and adamantine on Cinnabar.
How to tell apart: Tvalchrelidzeite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Tvalchrelidzeite leaves black, Livingstonite leaves red.
How to tell apart: Tvalchrelidzeite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Tvalchrelidzeite leaves black, Stibnite leaves lead-gray.
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
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 7.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Epithermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail size
Where rockhounds find tvalchrelidzeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vakijvari, Georgia
Field-hunting tip
Look in epithermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where tvalchrelidzeite typically forms. If you start seeing cinnabar, stibnite, realgar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find tvalchrelidzeite on the map
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