Pararaisaite is an extremely rare copper tellurite mineral discovered in the Moctezuma mine of Mexico. It typically forms attractive blue to green bladed or radial crystal clusters that are highly sought after by mineral collectors specializing in rare tellurium species.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Pararaisaite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Blue
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this pararaisaite?

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 pararaisaite with a known reference. Pararaisaite 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. Pararaisaite leaves a pale blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Pararaisaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Pararaisaite leaves pale blue, Denningite leaves white.

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Often found alongside pararaisaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄TeO₄(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Green
Streak: Pale Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Bladed Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 for small specimen

Where rockhounds find pararaisaite

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 pararaisaite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurium, emmonsite, quetzalcoatlite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify pararaisaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale blue. Common colors include blue, green.

Where is pararaisaite found?+

Notable localities include Moctezuma mine, Sonora, Mexico.

How much is pararaisaite worth?+

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

Is pararaisaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and tellurium. Avoid inhalation of dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like pararaisaite?+

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

What minerals are found with pararaisaite?+

Pararaisaite commonly co-occurs with Tellurium, Emmonsite, Quetzalcoatlite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pararaisaite form in?+

Pararaisaite 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 pararaisaite used for?+

Pararaisaite is used in collector.

Find pararaisaite on the map

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