Plumbotellurite is a rare lead tellurite mineral typically found as small, delicate radiating sprays or laths in oxidized tellurium deposits. It is most famous from the Moctezuma mine in Mexico, where it appears alongside other rare tellurium-bearing species.
Is this plumbotellurite?
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 plumbotellurite with a known reference. Plumbotellurite sits at Mohs 1-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Plumbotellurite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Plumbotellurite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular to lath-like crystals, radiating sprays.
Often confused with
Plumbotellurite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside plumbotellurite
Minerals reported to co-occur with plumbotellurite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbTeO₃
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 7.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular to Lath-like Crystals, Radiating Sprays
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Tellurium-rich Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find plumbotellurite
Classic worldwide localities
- Moctezuma Mine, Sonora, Mexico
- Tombstone District, Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal tellurium-rich ore deposits country — that is the host setting where plumbotellurite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurite, paratellurite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular to lath-like crystals, radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify plumbotellurite?+
Where is plumbotellurite found?+
How much is plumbotellurite worth?+
Is plumbotellurite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like plumbotellurite?+
What minerals are found with plumbotellurite?+
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Find plumbotellurite on the map
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