Tellurobismuthite

A variety of Minerals

Tellurobismuthite specimen

What is Tellurobismuthite?

Tellurobismuthite is a telluride mineral: bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3). It crystallizes in the trigonal system. There are natural cleavage planes in the (0001) direction as the crystal is effectively lamellar (layered) in that plane. The Mohs hardness is 1.5 - 2 and the specific gravity is 7.815. It is a dull grey color, which exhibits a splendent luster on fresh cleavage planes.

Market Value Factors

Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Tellurobismuthite 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.

Applies to all rocks & minerals.

Tellurobismuthite Localities Map

See where Tellurobismuthite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview
North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Interactive map layers and collecting notes are available in the app.

Key Characteristics

Formation of Tellurobismuthite

It was first described in 1815 and type localities include the Mosnap mine in Toke, Telemark, Norway; the Little Mildred mine, Sylvanite District, Hidalgo County, New Mexico and the Boly Field Mine, Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia. It occurs in low sulfur hydrothermal gold-quartz veins and occurs with native gold, native bismuth, gold tellurides, tetradymite, altaite, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
Lead-grey
Hardness (Mohs)
1.5 - 2
Streak
Pale lead-gray

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
Bi2Te3
Elements
Bi, Te

Also Known As

TellurobismuthiteTellurbunden WismuthTellurobismutiteTellur-wismuth
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Tellurobismuthite FAQs

How do I identify Tellurobismuthite?

Tellurobismuthite can be identified by its hardness of 1.5 - 2 on the Mohs scale, Lead-grey color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Tellurobismuthite?

Tellurobismuthite typically appears in Lead-grey. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Tellurobismuthite?

Tellurobismuthite 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 formation of tellurobismuthite of Tellurobismuthite?

It was first described in 1815 and type localities include the Mosnap mine in Toke, Telemark, Norway; the Little Mildred mine, Sylvanite District, Hidalgo County, New Mexico and the Boly Field Mine, Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia. It occurs in low sulfur hydrothermal gold-quartz veins and occurs with native gold, native bismuth, gold tellurides, tetradymite, altaite, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite.

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