Joteite is a very rare copper-calcium arsenate mineral known primarily from the Jote mine in Chile. It typically forms as delicate, tabular yellow crystals within oxidized zones of arsenic-rich copper deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Joteite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this joteite?

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 joteite with a known reference. Joteite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Joteite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Joteite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Conichalcite

Mohs 4.5

How to tell apart: Conichalcite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Joteite leaves yellow, Conichalcite leaves light green.

How to tell apart: Austinite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4 vs. 2); streak differs, so Joteite leaves yellow, Austinite leaves white.

Compare →

Often found alongside joteite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂CuAl(AsO₄)₂(OH)₅·5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.84 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Zones
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find joteite

Classic worldwide localities

Jote mine, Tierra Amarilla, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal zones country, the host setting where joteite typically forms. If you start seeing conichalcite, austinite, guerinite 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

How do you identify joteite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is joteite found?+

Notable localities include Jote mine, Tierra Amarilla, Chile.

How much is joteite 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 joteite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like joteite?+

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

What minerals are found with joteite?+

Joteite commonly co-occurs with Conichalcite, Austinite, Guerinite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does joteite form in?+

Joteite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal zones. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is joteite used for?+

Joteite is used in collector.

Find joteite on the map

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