Choloalite is a very rare tellurite mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of tellurium-bearing deposits. It typically forms minute, sharp cubic or octahedral crystals that exhibit a distinct adamantine luster and a yellowish hue.
Is this choloalite?
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 choloalite with a known reference. Choloalite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Choloalite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Choloalite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: small octahedrons and trapezohedrons.
Often confused with
Choloalite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Choloalite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Choloalite leaves yellowish-white, Tellurite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Choloalite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Choloalite leaves yellowish-white, Paratellurite leaves white.
Often found alongside choloalite
Minerals reported to co-occur with choloalite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuPb(TeO₃)₂·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 5.34 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Small Octahedrons and Trapezohedrons
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Tellurium-rich Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find choloalite
Classic worldwide localities
- Moctezuma Mine, Sonora, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal tellurium-rich ore deposits country — that is the host setting where choloalite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurite, paratellurite, quetzalcoatlite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small octahedrons and trapezohedrons habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find choloalite on the map
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