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

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Quetzalcoatlite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

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. Quetzalcoatlite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Quetzalcoatlite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green, light green.
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: Streak differs — Quetzalcoatlite leaves yellow, Teineite leaves pale blue.

Compare →

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: Zn₆Cu₃(TeO₃)₃(OH)₁₈·Ag(Ag,Pb)₃
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 4.9-5.1 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-green Light Green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Hexagonal Plates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality and rarity

Where rockhounds find quetzalcoatlite

Classic worldwide localities

Bambollita mine, Mexico
Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized tellurium-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where quetzalcoatlite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurite, paratellurite, emmonsite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal plates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify quetzalcoatlite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-green, light green.

Where is quetzalcoatlite found?+

Notable localities include Bambollita mine, Mexico; Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico.

How much is quetzalcoatlite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality and rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is quetzalcoatlite safe to handle?+

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

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 tellurite, paratellurite, emmonsite, cesanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does quetzalcoatlite form in?+

Quetzalcoatlite typically forms in oxidized tellurium-bearing hydrothermal veins. 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.