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. Streak: yellow-orange.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: crystalline, microscopic 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, so Walfordite leaves yellow-orange, Eztlite leaves orange; luster reads adamantine on Walfordite and pearly on Eztlite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Walfordite leaves yellow-orange, Quetzalcoatlite leaves pale blue, almost white; luster reads adamantine on Walfordite and pearly to dull 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
- (Fe,Te,Ti,Mg)Te₃O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 5.841 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow-orange
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent to opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Crystalline, microscopic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Very rare in the brecciated oxidized zone of a tellurium-bearing hydrothermal gold deposit
Where rockhounds find walfordite
Classic worldwide localities
- Wendy open pit, El Indio-Tambo district, east of La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Very rare in the brecciated oxidized zone of a tellurium-bearing hydrothermal gold deposit. If you start seeing alunite, rodalquilarite, gold in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: crystalline, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify walfordite?+
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Is walfordite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like walfordite?+
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Find walfordite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
