Quetzalcoatlite is an extremely rare copper-zinc tellurite mineral discovered in Mexico. It typically occurs as small, delicate hexagonal plates or crusts within the oxidized zones of tellurium-rich ore deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly to dull

Streak

Pale blue, almost white

Transparency

Semitransparent

mineralrare

Quetzalcoatlite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Pearly to dull
Streak: Pale blue, almost white
Transparency: Semitransparent

Is this quetzalcoatlite?

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 quetzalcoatlite with a known reference. Quetzalcoatlite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale blue, almost white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly to dull.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: hexagonal plates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Teineite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly to dull on Quetzalcoatlite and vitreous on Teineite.

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Often found alongside quetzalcoatlite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₃Zn₆Te₂O₁₂(OH)₆·(Ag,Pb,□)Cl
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 6.05 g/cm³
Colors: Blue
Streak: Pale blue, almost white
Luster: Pearly to dull
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Hexagonal plates
Cleavage: On {1010}, fair
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A rare mineral in the oxidized zone of tellurium-bearing hydrothermal ore deposits

Where rockhounds find quetzalcoatlite

Classic worldwide localities

Old Guard mine, Tombstone, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA
Blue Bell claims, San Bernardino Co., California, USA
Centennial Eureka mine, Tintic district, Juab Co., Utah, USA
Oriental (Bambollita) mine, northeast of the Moctezuma mine, Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A rare mineral in the oxidized zone of tellurium-bearing hydrothermal ore deposits. If you start seeing hessite, galena, bornite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: hexagonal plates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify quetzalcoatlite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. Luster: pearly to dull. The streak is pale blue, almost white. Common colors include blue.

Where is quetzalcoatlite found?+

Notable localities include Old Guard mine, Tombstone, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA; Blue Bell claims, San Bernardino Co., California, USA; Centennial Eureka mine, Tintic district, Juab Co., Utah, USA; Oriental (Bambollita) mine, northeast of the Moctezuma mine, Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico.

Is quetzalcoatlite safe to handle?+

Quetzalcoatlite contains copper and lead. Contains tellurium, copper, and zinc; avoid inhalation of dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like quetzalcoatlite?+

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

What minerals are found with quetzalcoatlite?+

Quetzalcoatlite commonly co-occurs with Hessite, Galena, Bornite, Cerussite, Azurite, Chlorargyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does quetzalcoatlite form in?+

Where it forms: A rare mineral in the oxidized zone of tellurium-bearing hydrothermal ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is quetzalcoatlite used for?+

Quetzalcoatlite is used in collector.

Find quetzalcoatlite on the map

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