Metatamboite is a rare secondary tellurite mineral typically occurring as fragile, platy or micaceous crystals in oxidized zones of tellurium-rich ore bodies. It is most easily identified by its distinctive yellow to brownish-orange color and association with other secondary tellurium minerals in specific localities like the Moctezuma mine.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Metatamboite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this metatamboite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Metatamboite and resinous on Tamboite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Metatamboite leaves yellow, Tellurite leaves white.

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Often found alongside metatamboite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₄(TeO₃)₃(SO₄)
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 6.05 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-orange Brown
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular, Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find metatamboite

Classic worldwide localities

Moctezuma mine, Sonora, Mexico
Tombstone, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify metatamboite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-orange, brown.

Where is metatamboite found?+

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

How much is metatamboite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is metatamboite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like metatamboite?+

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

What minerals are found with metatamboite?+

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

What kind of rock does metatamboite form in?+

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

What is metatamboite used for?+

Metatamboite is used in collector.

Find metatamboite on the map

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