Timroseite is a rare copper tellurite mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of tellurium-rich ore bodies. It typically forms dark green to black tabular crystals and is highly prized by micromounters and advanced collectors for its rarity and distinct chemical composition.
Is this timroseite?
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 timroseite with a known reference. Timroseite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Timroseite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Timroseite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.
Often confused with
Timroseite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Tsumcorite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 3); streak differs — Timroseite leaves light green, Tsumcorite leaves yellowish; luster reads adamantine on Timroseite and vitreous on Tsumcorite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Timroseite leaves light green, Teineite leaves pale blue; luster reads adamantine on Timroseite and vitreous on Teineite.
Often found alongside timroseite
Minerals reported to co-occur with timroseite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₄Te²⁺₂O₄(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 5.65 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find timroseite
Classic worldwide localities
- Centennial Eureka Mine, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized tellurium-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where timroseite typically forms. If you start seeing emmonsite, quetzalcoatlite, mackayite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find timroseite on the map
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