Khinite is a very rare tellurite mineral typically found as small, vibrant yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals. It is primarily identified in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base-metal deposits and is highly prized by advanced collectors of rare tellurium species.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Khinite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this khinite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Emmonsite

Mohs 5

How to tell apart: Emmonsite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3); streak differs — Khinite leaves yellow, Emmonsite leaves pale yellow; luster reads adamantine on Khinite and vitreous on Emmonsite.

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Often found alongside khinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb²⁺₃Cu²⁺Te⁶⁺O₆(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 6.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Greenish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 for high-quality micro mounts

Where rockhounds find khinite

Classic worldwide localities

Tombstone, Arizona, USA
Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized tellurium-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where khinite typically forms. If you start seeing emmonsite, quartz, cerussite 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 khinite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, greenish-yellow.

Where is khinite found?+

Notable localities include Tombstone, Arizona, USA; Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico.

How much is khinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for high-quality micro mounts. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is khinite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like khinite?+

Khinite is most often confused with Emmonsite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with khinite?+

Khinite commonly co-occurs with Emmonsite, Quartz, Cerussite, Dugganite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does khinite form in?+

Khinite typically forms in oxidized tellurium-bearing ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is khinite used for?+

Khinite is used in collector.

Find khinite on the map

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