Graemite is a rare copper tellurite mineral typically found as small, bright green bladed crystals or radial clusters. It is almost exclusively associated with the type locality in the Tombstone District of Arizona, where it forms in the oxidation zones of telluride-bearing mineral deposits.
Is this graemite?
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 graemite with a known reference. Graemite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Graemite leaves a pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Graemite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellowish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Graemite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Graemite leaves pale yellow, Teineite leaves pale blue.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Graemite leaves pale yellow, Carlinite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Graemite and metallic on Carlinite.
Often found alongside graemite
Minerals reported to co-occur with graemite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuTeO₃·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 4.87 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Tellurium-rich Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail size
Where rockhounds find graemite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tombstone, Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal tellurium-rich ore deposits country — that is the host setting where graemite typically forms. If you start seeing emmonsite, teineite, rodalquilarite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find graemite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
