Carlfriesite is a rare calcium tellurite mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of tellurium-rich ore deposits. It typically forms delicate, yellow prismatic crystals or radial clusters that are highly prized by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this carlfriesite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch carlfriesite with a known reference. Carlfriesite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Carlfriesite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Carlfriesite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Carlfriesite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Carlfriesite leaves white, Quetzalcoatlite leaves yellow; luster reads adamantine on Carlfriesite and vitreous on Quetzalcoatlite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Carlfriesite leaves white, Rodalquilarite leaves pale yellow.
Often found alongside carlfriesite
Minerals reported to co-occur with carlfriesite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaTe₂O₅
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.85 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find carlfriesite
Classic worldwide localities
- Moctezuma Mine, Sonora, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized tellurium-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where carlfriesite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurite, paratellurite, quetzalcoatlite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find carlfriesite on the map
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