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, so Xocolatlite leaves yellow, Tellurite leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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.