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.
Is this metatamboite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch metatamboite with a known reference. Metatamboite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Metatamboite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Metatamboite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
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
- 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, 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?+
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How much is metatamboite worth?+
Is metatamboite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like metatamboite?+
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Find metatamboite on the map
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