Xocomecatlite is a rare copper tellurite mineral typically found as small, vibrant green crusts or tiny tabular crystals. It is primarily known from the oxidized zones of tellurium-rich deposits, often occurring alongside other rare tellurium minerals. Its distinct green color and association with rare secondary tellurites make it a sought-after micromount specimen.
Is this xocomecatlite?
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 xocomecatlite with a known reference. Xocomecatlite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Xocomecatlite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Xocomecatlite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, drusy coatings, aggregates.
Often confused with
Xocomecatlite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Emmonsite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Xocomecatlite leaves light green, Emmonsite leaves pale yellow.
How to tell apart: Mackayite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Xocomecatlite leaves light green, Mackayite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Xocomecatlite and sub-adamantine on Mackayite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Xocomecatlite leaves light green, Quetzalcoatlite leaves yellow.
Often found alongside xocomecatlite
Minerals reported to co-occur with xocomecatlite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃TeO₄(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 6.05 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Drusy Coatings, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find xocomecatlite
Classic worldwide localities
- Moctezuma Mine, Sonora, Mexico
- Tombstone District, Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized tellurium-bearing hydrothermal ore deposits country, the host setting where xocomecatlite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurite, paratellurite, emmonsite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, drusy coatings, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find xocomecatlite on the map
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