How do I identify Sylvanite?

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

What color is Sylvanite?

Sylvanite typically appears in Grey, white, pale yellow silver-white. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Sylvanite?

Sylvanite has a hardness of 1.5 - 2 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Sylvanite

A variety of Minerals

What is Sylvanite?

Sylvanite or silver gold telluride, (Ag,Au)Te2, is the most common telluride of gold.

Uses & Applications

Sylvanite represents a minor ore of gold and tellurium. Sylvanium, an obsolete term for tellurium, derived its name from sylvanite.

Sylvanite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Sylvanite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Sylvanite Localities Map

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

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Sylvanite

The gold:silver ratio varies from 3:1 to 1:1. It is a metallic mineral with a color that ranges from a steely gray to almost white. It is closely related to calaverite, which is more purely gold telluride with 3% silver. Sylvanite crystallizes in the monoclinic 2/m system. Crystals are rare and it is usually bladed or granular. It is very soft with a hardness of 1.5–2. It has a high relative density of 8–8.2. Sylvanite is photosensitive and can accumulate a dark tarnish if it is exposed to bright light for too long.

Formation of Sylvanite

Sylvanite is found in Transylvania, from which its name is partially derived. It is also found and mined in Australia in the East Kalgoorlie district. In Canada it is found in the Kirkland Lake Gold District, Ontario and the Rouyn District, Quebec. In the United States it occurs in California and in Colorado where it was mined as part of the Cripple Creek ore deposit. Sylvanite is associated with native gold, quartz, fluorite, rhodochrosite, pyrite, acanthite, nagyagite, calaverite, krennerite, and other rare telluride minerals. It is found most commonly in low temperature hydrothermal vein deposits.