Moctezumite is an exceptionally rare lead tellurite mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of tellurium-rich ore deposits. It is best known from its type locality in Sonora, Mexico, typically forming distinct, vibrant orange to red platy crystals or thin crusts on matrix. Due to its extreme rarity and specific geochemical requirements, it is a highly sought-after prize for advanced mineral collectors.
Is this moctezumite?
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 moctezumite with a known reference. Moctezumite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Moctezumite leaves a yellow-orange streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Moctezumite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, orange-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Moctezumite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Ecandrewsite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3); streak differs — Moctezumite leaves yellow-orange, Ecandrewsite leaves black; luster reads adamantine on Moctezumite and metallic on Ecandrewsite.
How to tell apart: Moctezumite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Moctezumite leaves yellow-orange, Tellurite leaves white.
Often found alongside moctezumite
Minerals reported to co-occur with moctezumite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Te⁶⁺O₅
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 6.05 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow-orange
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail, $500-2000+ cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find moctezumite
Classic worldwide localities
- Moctezuma Mine, Sonora, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized tellurium-bearing hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where moctezumite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurite, paratellurite, quetzalcoatlite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find moctezumite on the map
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