Leisingite is an extremely rare copper magnesium tellurate mineral discovered in oxidized tellurium ores. It typically presents as small, yellow, platy crystals forming thin coatings or clusters on host rock, making it a prized specimen for advanced micromounters.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Leisingite

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

Is this leisingite?

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 leisingite with a known reference. Leisingite 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. Leisingite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Leisingite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Teineite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Leisingite leaves yellow, Teineite leaves pale blue; luster reads resinous on Leisingite and vitreous on Teineite.

Often found alongside leisingite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄MgTeO₆(OH)₂·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 4.57 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find leisingite

Classic worldwide localities

Tombstone, Arizona, USA
Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized tellurium-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where leisingite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, jarosite, emmonsite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify leisingite?+

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

Where is leisingite found?+

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

How much is leisingite 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 leisingite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like leisingite?+

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

What minerals are found with leisingite?+

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

What kind of rock does leisingite form in?+

Leisingite 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 leisingite used for?+

Leisingite is used in collector.

Find leisingite on the map

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