Walfordite is an extremely rare tellurium mineral typically found as small, vibrant yellow to orange crusts or coatings in oxidized ore zones. Collectors usually seek it in micro-mounts, as it rarely forms large crystals; it is most famously identified by its high density and close association with other rare tellurite species.
Is this walfordite?
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 walfordite with a known reference. Walfordite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Walfordite leaves a pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Walfordite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates, granular crusts, pseudo-cubic crystals.
Often confused with
Walfordite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Walfordite leaves pale yellow, Eztlite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Walfordite and pearly on Eztlite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Walfordite leaves pale yellow, Quetzalcoatlite leaves yellow; luster reads adamantine on Walfordite and vitreous on Quetzalcoatlite.
Often found alongside walfordite
Minerals reported to co-occur with walfordite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Fe³⁺,Te⁴⁺,Mg)₃Te⁴⁺O₆·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 6.3-6.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline Aggregates, Granular Crusts, Pseudo-cubic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find walfordite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bingham, New Mexico, USA
- Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized tellurium-bearing hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where walfordite typically forms. If you start seeing eztlite, quetzalcoatlite, tellurite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates, granular crusts, pseudo-cubic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find walfordite on the map
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