Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
monoclinicuncommonTellurides
Calaverite
AuTe₂
The image displays a cluster of elongated, metallic, brassy-yellow Calaverite crystals, some showing a slightly tarnished surface. The crystals are well-formed and exhibit a distinct metallic sheen.
Calaverite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
metallicStreak Color
greenish-gray to yellowish-grayCleavage
distinct on {201} and {110}Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
9.1Colors
silvery white, brassy yellow, dull yellow, brownTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Cripple Creek, Cripple Creek District, Teller County, Colorado, USAMineral Group
TelluridesUses
ore of gold, collectorAssociated Minerals
sylvanite, krennerite, petzite, native gold, quartz, pyriteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Calaverite typically forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, often associated with volcanic or subvolcanic environments where gold and tellurium-rich fluids circulate. It is a primary ore mineral for gold in such deposits.
