Chenguodaite is a rare silver iron telluride. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2004, from material found at the Bunan deposit, Shandong Province, China.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Chenguodaite

Chenguodaite is a rare silver iron telluride. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2004, from material found at the Bunan deposit, Shandong Province, China.

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this chenguodaite?

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 chenguodaite with a known reference. Chenguodaite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chenguodaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chenguodaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Chenguodaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs, so Chenguodaite leaves black, Tellurobismuthite leaves lead-gray.

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Often found alongside chenguodaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₉FeTe₂S₄
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 7.94 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Gold-bearing Quartz Veins

Where rockhounds find chenguodaite

Classic worldwide localities

Laowan Gold Mine, Henan Province, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal gold-bearing quartz veins country, the host setting where chenguodaite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, galena, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chenguodaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include silver-white.

Where is chenguodaite found?+

Notable localities include Laowan Gold Mine, Henan Province, China.

Is chenguodaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like chenguodaite?+

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

What minerals are found with chenguodaite?+

Chenguodaite commonly co-occurs with Pyrite, Galena, Chalcopyrite, Gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chenguodaite form in?+

Chenguodaite typically forms in hydrothermal gold-bearing quartz veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chenguodaite used for?+

Chenguodaite is used in collector.

Find chenguodaite on the map

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