Vavřínite is an extremely rare antimony telluride mineral discovered in the Czech Republic. It typically occurs as microscopic grains embedded within hydrothermal gold-bearing veins, making it primarily a species for advanced mineralogists and systematic collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Vavřínite

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

No image

Is this vavřínite?

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 vavřínite with a known reference. Vavřínite sits at Mohs 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. Vavřínite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vavřínite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Tetradymite

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Vavřínite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Vavřínite leaves black, Tetradymite leaves lead-gray.

Often found alongside vavřínite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Sb₂Te₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 6.08 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per micro-mount specimen

Where rockhounds find vavřínite

Classic worldwide localities

Jílové u Prahy, Czech Republic
Zlaté Hory, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where vavřínite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, stibnite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vavřínite?+

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

Where is vavřínite found?+

Notable localities include Jílové u Prahy, Czech Republic; Zlaté Hory, Czech Republic.

How much is vavřínite worth?+

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

Is vavřínite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vavřínite?+

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

What minerals are found with vavřínite?+

Vavřínite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Stibnite, Pyrite, Arsenopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vavřínite form in?+

Vavřínite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vavřínite used for?+

Vavřínite is used in collector.

Find vavřínite on the map

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