Teineite is a rare copper tellurite mineral typically found as deep blue acicular crystals or radiating tufts in oxidized zones of tellurium-bearing ore deposits. It is highly prized by collectors for its vivid color and restricted occurrence in only a few classic localities worldwide.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Teineite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Blue
Transparency: Translucent

Is this teineite?

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 teineite with a known reference. Teineite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Teineite leaves a pale blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Teineite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, deep blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating clusters, crusts.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Azurite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Teineite leaves pale blue, Azurite leaves light blue; luster reads vitreous on Teineite and vitreous to dull on Azurite.

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Often found alongside teineite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CuTeO₃·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 4.2 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Deep Blue
Streak: Pale Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radiating Clusters, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Epithermal Gold-tellurium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find teineite

Classic worldwide localities

Teine mine, Hokkaido, Japan
Moctezuma mine, Sonora, Mexico
Goldfield, Nevada, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in epithermal gold-tellurium deposits country — that is the host setting where teineite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurite, quart, barite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating clusters, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify teineite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale blue. Common colors include blue, deep blue.

Where is teineite found?+

Notable localities include Teine mine, Hokkaido, Japan; Moctezuma mine, Sonora, Mexico; Goldfield, Nevada, USA.

How much is teineite worth?+

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

Is teineite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like teineite?+

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

What minerals are found with teineite?+

Teineite commonly co-occurs with Tellurite, Quart, Barite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does teineite form in?+

Teineite typically forms in epithermal gold-tellurium deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is teineite used for?+

Teineite is used in collector.

Find teineite on the map

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