Telluroperite is a rare secondary mineral found in lead-rich oxidizing zones, particularly famous from the ancient slag piles of Laurium. It typically forms thin, tabular, orange-yellow crystals and is highly prized by collectors for its extreme rarity and complex chemistry. Due to its lead content, specimens should be handled with care to prevent contact with mineral dust.
Is this telluroperite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch telluroperite with a known reference. Telluroperite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Telluroperite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Telluroperite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy aggregates.
Often confused with
Telluroperite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside telluroperite
Minerals reported to co-occur with telluroperite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃TeO₄Cl₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 8.85 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Platy Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-rich Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per micro-mount or small specimen
Where rockhounds find telluroperite
Classic worldwide localities
- Klidon mine, Laurium, Greece
- Mount Paikun, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-rich deposits country — that is the host setting where telluroperite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, platy aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify telluroperite?+
Where is telluroperite found?+
How much is telluroperite worth?+
Is telluroperite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like telluroperite?+
What minerals are found with telluroperite?+
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Find telluroperite on the map
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