Fairbankite is an extremely rare lead tellurite mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of tellurium-rich ore deposits. It typically forms thin tabular crystals or delicate crusts and is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in tellurium species.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Fairbankite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this fairbankite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch fairbankite with a known reference. Fairbankite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fairbankite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Fairbankite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

Fairbankite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Mroseite

Mohs 3.5

How to tell apart: Mroseite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); luster reads adamantine on Fairbankite and vitreous on Mroseite.

Often found alongside fairbankite

Minerals reported to co-occur with fairbankite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: PbTeO₃
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 7.3 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find fairbankite

Classic worldwide localities

Tombstone (Arizona, USA)
Moctezuma (Sonora, Mexico)

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized tellurium-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where fairbankite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurite, emmonsite, quetzalcoatlite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify fairbankite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellowish.

Where is fairbankite found?+

Notable localities include Tombstone (Arizona, USA); Moctezuma (Sonora, Mexico).

How much is fairbankite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is fairbankite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and tellurium; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Always wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like fairbankite?+

Fairbankite is most often confused with Mroseite, Winstanleyite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with fairbankite?+

Fairbankite commonly co-occurs with tellurite, emmonsite, quetzalcoatlite, spiroffite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does fairbankite form in?+

Fairbankite typically forms in oxidized tellurium-bearing hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is fairbankite used for?+

Fairbankite is used in collector.

Find fairbankite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.