Dagenaisite is a very rare zinc tellurite mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of tellurium-rich ore deposits. It typically forms small, colorless to white tabular crystals that are often identified through micro-analysis due to its scarcity.
Is this dagenaisite?
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 dagenaisite with a known reference. Dagenaisite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dagenaisite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Dagenaisite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Dagenaisite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Dagenaisite leaves white, Zincite leaves orange-yellow; luster reads vitreous on Dagenaisite and sub-adamantine on Zincite.
How to tell apart: Dagenaisite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Dagenaisite leaves white, Teineite leaves pale blue.
Often found alongside dagenaisite
Minerals reported to co-occur with dagenaisite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Zn,Cu)₃(TeO₃)(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 5.68 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Tellurium-rich Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find dagenaisite
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 dagenaisite typically forms. If you start seeing emmonsite, mcalpineite, paratellurite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find dagenaisite on the map
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