Calaverite
ID: 77
Calaverite
Chemical Formula
AuTe₂
Hardness (Mohs)
2.5 - 3
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Streak
Pale yellow to grayish-yellow
Luster
Metallic
Diaphaneity
Opaque
Color
Silver-white to brass-yellow
Crystal Habit / Mode of Occurrence
Typically prismatic crystals, often elongated or lath-like. Can also be granular or massive. Twinning is common and can produce complex forms.
Fun Facts
Calaverite is another gold telluride mineral, like sylvanite, but it contains significantly more gold relative to silver. It's named after Calaveras County, California, where it was first discovered.