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 — Joteite leaves yellow, Conichalcite leaves light green.

How to tell apart: Austinite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4 vs. 2); streak differs — 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 — that is 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.