Tellurite is a rare secondary mineral formed in the oxidized zones of tellurium-rich ore deposits. Collectors typically look for its distinct acicular or radiating crystal clusters that exhibit an adamantine luster, most notably coming from the Moctezuma mine in Mexico.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Tellurite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this tellurite?

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 tellurite with a known reference. Tellurite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tellurite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tellurite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, yellowish-white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or prismatic crystals, radiating clusters, crusts.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside tellurite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: TeO₂
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 4.45 g/cm³
Colors: White Yellowish-white Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular or Prismatic Crystals, Radiating Clusters, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Reference Material
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Gold Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find tellurite

Classic worldwide localities

Moctezuma, Mexico
Goldfield, Nevada
Satu Mare, Romania

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of tellurium-bearing hydrothermal gold deposits country — that is the host setting where tellurite typically forms. If you start seeing paratellurite, emmonsite, tlapallite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or prismatic crystals, radiating clusters, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tellurite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, yellowish-white, colorless.

Where is tellurite found?+

Notable localities include Moctezuma, Mexico; Goldfield, Nevada; Satu Mare, Romania.

How much is tellurite 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 tellurite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium; avoid inhaling dust or handling with bare skin, as tellurium compounds can be toxic and produce a strong garlic-like odor upon oxidation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like tellurite?+

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

What minerals are found with tellurite?+

Tellurite commonly co-occurs with paratellurite, emmonsite, tlapallite, gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tellurite form in?+

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

What is tellurite used for?+

Tellurite is used in collector, reference material.

Find tellurite on the map

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