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.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale blue-green

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Graemite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale blue-green
Transparency: Translucent

Is this graemite?

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 graemite with a known reference. Graemite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale blue-green.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, blue green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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: Graemite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. ~1); streak differs, so Graemite leaves pale blue-green, Carlinite leaves dark gray to black; luster reads vitreous on Graemite and bright metallic on Carlinite.

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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: 3-3.5
Density: 4.13 g/cm³
Colors: Green Blue green
Streak: Pale blue-green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Bladed crystals, radial aggregates
Cleavage: On {010}, good; on {100}, a parting
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A rare dehydration product of teineite, as pseudomorphs and incrustations

Where rockhounds find graemite

Classic worldwide localities

Cole shaft and in the Shattuck mine, Bisbee, Warren district, Cochise Co., and in the Dome Rock Mountains, La Paz Co, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A rare dehydration product of teineite, as pseudomorphs and incrustations. If you start seeing teineite, malachite, cuprite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify graemite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is pale blue-green. Common colors include green, blue green.

Where is graemite found?+

Notable localities include Cole shaft and in the Shattuck mine, Bisbee, Warren district, Cochise Co., and in the Dome Rock Mountains, La Paz Co, Arizona, USA.

Is graemite safe to handle?+

Graemite contains copper. Contains tellurium and copper; avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens.

What rocks look like graemite?+

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

What minerals are found with graemite?+

Graemite commonly co-occurs with Teineite, Malachite, Cuprite, Brochantite, Djurleite, Bornite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does graemite form in?+

Where it forms: A rare dehydration product of teineite, as pseudomorphs and incrustations. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is graemite used for?+

Graemite is used in collector.

Find graemite on the map

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