Xocolatlite is a rare tellurium-bearing mineral found primarily in the oxidation zones of tellurium-rich ore deposits. It is best identified by its distinct yellow-orange color and platy, often crusty crystal habits associated with other rare tellurite minerals.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Xocolatlite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this xocolatlite?

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 xocolatlite with a known reference. Xocolatlite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Xocolatlite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Xocolatlite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Tellurite

Mohs 2

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Xocolatlite leaves yellow, Tellurite leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Xocolatlite leaves yellow, Paratellurite leaves white.

Compare →

Often found alongside xocolatlite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Mn₂⁺³(TeO₃)₂TeO₄(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Tellurium Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find xocolatlite

Classic worldwide localities

Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized tellurium ore deposits country — that is the host setting where xocolatlite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurite, paratellurite, emmonsite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify xocolatlite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange.

Where is xocolatlite found?+

Notable localities include Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico.

How much is xocolatlite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is xocolatlite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium; avoid inhaling dust or powder and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like xocolatlite?+

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

What minerals are found with xocolatlite?+

Xocolatlite commonly co-occurs with tellurite, paratellurite, emmonsite, xocomecatlite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does xocolatlite form in?+

Xocolatlite typically forms in oxidized tellurium ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is xocolatlite used for?+

Xocolatlite is used in collector.

Find xocolatlite on the map

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