Rajite is a rare copper tellurite mineral typically found as small, thin, colorless to white platy crystals. It is primarily known from the oxidized zones of the Moctezuma mine in Mexico, where it occurs alongside other rare tellurium species.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Rajite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this rajite?

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 rajite with a known reference. Rajite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rajite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rajite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Teineite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Rajite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Rajite leaves white, Teineite leaves pale blue.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Rajite leaves white, Quetzalcoatlite leaves yellow.

Compare →

Often found alongside rajite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CuTe₂O₅
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find rajite

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 rajite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurite, paratellurite, emmonsite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rajite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is rajite found?+

Notable localities include Moctezuma mine, Sonora, Mexico.

How much is rajite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is rajite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like rajite?+

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

What minerals are found with rajite?+

Rajite commonly co-occurs with Tellurite, Paratellurite, Emmonsite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rajite form in?+

Rajite 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 rajite used for?+

Rajite is used in collector.

Find rajite on the map

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