Magnolite is an exceptionally rare mercury tellurite mineral typically found as delicate, white needle-like crystals or radiating tufts. It is primarily associated with the oxidation zones of tellurium-rich ore deposits, making it a highly sought-after prize for micro-mineral collectors.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Magnolite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this magnolite?

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 magnolite with a known reference. Magnolite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Magnolite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Magnolite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, yellowish-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays, tufts.

Often confused with

Magnolite 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. 1.5-2); streak differs — Magnolite leaves white, Emmonsite leaves pale yellow; luster reads pearly on Magnolite and vitreous on Emmonsite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Magnolite and adamantine on Tellurite.

Compare →

Often found alongside magnolite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Hg₂TeO₃
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 7.5-8.0 g/cm³
Colors: White Yellowish-white
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radiating Sprays, Tufts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find magnolite

Classic worldwide localities

Colorado, USA
Moctezuma, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in tellurium-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where magnolite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurium, coloradoite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating sprays, tufts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify magnolite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, yellowish-white.

Where is magnolite found?+

Notable localities include Colorado, USA; Moctezuma, Mexico.

How much is magnolite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is magnolite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and tellurium; handle with care, do not inhale dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like magnolite?+

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

What minerals are found with magnolite?+

Magnolite commonly co-occurs with Tellurium, Coloradoite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does magnolite form in?+

Magnolite typically forms in tellurium-bearing hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is magnolite used for?+

Magnolite is used in collector.

Find magnolite on the map

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