Jensenite is a very rare copper tellurite mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of tellurium-rich ore deposits. It typically forms thin, sky-blue drusy coatings on matrix and is highly prized by advanced micromount collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarenull family

Jensenite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light Blue
Transparency: Translucent

Is this jensenite?

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 jensenite with a known reference. Jensenite sits at Mohs 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. Jensenite leaves a light blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Jensenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, greenish-blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: microcrystalline crusts, drusy coatings.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Quetzalcoatlite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Jensenite leaves light blue, Quetzalcoatlite leaves yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Jensenite leaves light blue, Sonoraite leaves white.

Compare →

Often found alongside jensenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₃Te⁶⁺O₆·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Greenish-blue
Streak: Light Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Microcrystalline Crusts, Drusy Coatings
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find jensenite

Classic worldwide localities

Tombstone, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify jensenite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is light blue. Common colors include blue, greenish-blue.

Where is jensenite found?+

Notable localities include Tombstone, Arizona, USA.

How much is jensenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is jensenite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and tellurium; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like jensenite?+

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

What minerals are found with jensenite?+

Jensenite commonly co-occurs with Emmonsite, Tellurite, Quetzalcoatlite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does jensenite form in?+

Jensenite 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 jensenite used for?+

Jensenite is used in collector.

Find jensenite on the map

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