Paratimroseite is a rare lead copper tellurate, typically vibrant “neon” green. It is a secondary phase on fracture surfaces and in small vugs in quartz veins. Associated minerals include calcite, cerussite and housleyite. It was first described from Aga mine, Otto Mountain, ~2 km northwest of Baker, San Bernardino County, California, USA.
Is this paratimroseite?
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 paratimroseite with a known reference. Paratimroseite 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. Streak: very pale green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: dull (botryroids) to adamantine (crystals).
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: vibrant neon green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Paratimroseite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Paratimroseite leaves very pale green, Molybdomenite leaves white; luster reads dull (botryroids) to adamantine (crystals) on Paratimroseite and pearly, adamantine, to greasy on Molybdomenite.
Often found alongside paratimroseite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paratimroseite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Cu₄(TeO₆)₂(H₂O)₂
- Mohs hardness
- ~3
- Density
- 6.557 g/cm³
- Colors
- Vibrant neon green
- Streak
- Very pale green
- Luster
- Dull (botryroids) to adamantine (crystals)
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- Good on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary phase on fracture surfaces and in small vugs in quartz veins
Where rockhounds find paratimroseite
Classic worldwide localities
- Aga mine, Otto Mountain, ~2 km northwest of Baker, San Bernardino County, California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary phase on fracture surfaces and in small vugs in quartz veins. If you start seeing calcite, cerussite, housleyite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paratimroseite?+
Where is paratimroseite found?+
Is paratimroseite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like paratimroseite?+
What minerals are found with paratimroseite?+
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Find paratimroseite on the map
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