Sonoraite is a rare tellurium mineral that typically occurs as vibrant green, bladed crystals or radial sprays within oxidized ore zones. It is a secondary mineral commonly found in association with other rare tellurite species in specific localities like Sonora, Mexico. Collectors prize it for its unique habit and striking color, though it is usually found only in small, delicate clusters.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Sonoraite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this sonoraite?

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 sonoraite with a known reference. Sonoraite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sonoraite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Sonoraite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Tellurite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Sonoraite and adamantine on Tellurite.

Often found alongside sonoraite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe³⁺Te⁴⁺O₃(OH)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 4.96 g/cm³
Colors: Green Yellow-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Bladed Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Tellurium-bearing Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find sonoraite

Classic worldwide localities

Sonora, Mexico
Tombstone, Arizona

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal tellurium-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where sonoraite typically forms. If you start seeing teineite, tellurite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify sonoraite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green, yellow-green.

Where is sonoraite found?+

Notable localities include Sonora, Mexico; Tombstone, Arizona.

How much is sonoraite worth?+

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

Is sonoraite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and iron; wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens and avoid inhaling dust when cleaning. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like sonoraite?+

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

What minerals are found with sonoraite?+

Sonoraite commonly co-occurs with Teineite, Tellurite, Quartz, Iron oxides. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sonoraite form in?+

Sonoraite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal tellurium-bearing ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is sonoraite used for?+

Sonoraite is used in collector.

Find sonoraite on the map

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