Sylvanite
A variety of Minerals
What is Sylvanite?
Sylvanite or silver gold telluride, (Ag,Au)Te2, is the most common telluride of gold.
Uses & Applications
Sylvanite represents a minor ore of gold and tellurium. Sylvanium, an obsolete term for tellurium, derived its name from sylvanite.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Sylvanite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Sylvanite Localities Map
See where Sylvanite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Sylvanite
The gold:silver ratio varies from 3:1 to 1:1. It is a metallic mineral with a color that ranges from a steely gray to almost white. It is closely related to calaverite, which is more purely gold telluride with 3% silver. Sylvanite crystallizes in the monoclinic 2/m system. Crystals are rare and it is usually bladed or granular. It is very soft with a hardness of 1.5–2. It has a high relative density of 8–8.2. Sylvanite is photosensitive and can accumulate a dark tarnish if it is exposed to bright light for too long.
Formation of Sylvanite
Sylvanite is found in Transylvania, from which its name is partially derived. It is also found and mined in Australia in the East Kalgoorlie district. In Canada it is found in the Kirkland Lake Gold District, Ontario and the Rouyn District, Quebec. In the United States it occurs in California and in Colorado where it was mined as part of the Cripple Creek ore deposit. Sylvanite is associated with native gold, quartz, fluorite, rhodochrosite, pyrite, acanthite, nagyagite, calaverite, krennerite, and other rare telluride minerals. It is found most commonly in low temperature hydrothermal vein deposits.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Grey, white, pale yellow silver-white
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 1.5 - 2
- Density
- 8.161 g/cm³
- Streak
- Silver-white
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Au,Ag)2Te4 Au:Ag ratio usually is close to 1:1
- Elements
- Ag, Au, Te
Also Known As
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Sylvanite FAQs
How do I identify Sylvanite?
Sylvanite can be identified by its hardness of 1.5 - 2 on the Mohs scale, Grey color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Sylvanite?
Sylvanite typically appears in Grey, white, pale yellow silver-white. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Sylvanite?
Sylvanite has a hardness of 1.5 - 2 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the characteristics of sylvanite of Sylvanite?
The gold:silver ratio varies from 3:1 to 1:1. It is a metallic mineral with a color that ranges from a steely gray to almost white. It is closely related to calaverite, which is more purely gold telluride with 3% silver. Sylvanite crystallizes in the monoclinic 2/m system. Crystals are rare and it is usually bladed or granular. It is very soft with a hardness of 1.5–2. It has a high relative density of 8–8.2. Sylvanite is photosensitive and can accumulate a dark tarnish if it is exposed to bright light for too long.
What is the formation of sylvanite of Sylvanite?
Sylvanite is found in Transylvania, from which its name is partially derived. It is also found and mined in Australia in the East Kalgoorlie district. In Canada it is found in the Kirkland Lake Gold District, Ontario and the Rouyn District, Quebec. In the United States it occurs in California and in Colorado where it was mined as part of the Cripple Creek ore deposit. Sylvanite is associated with native gold, quartz, fluorite, rhodochrosite, pyrite, acanthite, nagyagite, calaverite, krennerite, and other rare telluride minerals. It is found most commonly in low temperature hydrothermal vein deposits.
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