Rickardite
A variety of Minerals
What is Rickardite?
Rickardite is a telluride mineral, a copper telluride (Cu7Te5) or Cu3-x (x = 0 to 0.36)Te2. It was first described for an occurrence in the Good Hope Mine, Vulcan district, Gunnison County, Colorado, US, and named for mining engineer Thomas Arthur Rickard (1864–1953). It is a low temperature hydrothermal mineral that occurs associated with vulcanite, native tellurium, cameronite, petzite, sylvanite, berthierite, pyrite, arsenopyrite and bornite.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Rickardite 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.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Red-violet (fresh), darkens
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5
- Rock tumbling
- Not recommended
- Streak
- Red
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu7Te5
- Elements
- Cu, Te
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Rickardite FAQs
How do I identify Rickardite?
Rickardite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Red-violet (fresh) color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Rickardite?
Rickardite typically appears in Red-violet (fresh), darkens. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Rickardite?
Rickardite has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
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