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 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, emerald green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: botryoidal, radial, spherical.
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. 4).
How to tell apart: Xocomecatlite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 3); luster reads vitreous on Xocomecatlite and pearly to dull on Quetzalcoatlite.
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
- 4
- Density
- 4.65 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Botryoidal, radial, spherical
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of hydrothermal Au–Te deposits
Where rockhounds find xocomecatlite
Classic worldwide localities
- Emerald mine, Tombstone, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA
- Dump of the Centennial Eureka mine, Tintic district, Juab Co., Utah, USA
- Oriental (Bambollita) mine, northeast of the Moctezuma (Bambolla) mine, 12 km south of Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of hydrothermal Au–Te deposits. If you start seeing parakhinite, dugganite, mcalpineite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: botryoidal, radial, spherical. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify xocomecatlite?+
Where is xocomecatlite found?+
Is xocomecatlite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like xocomecatlite?+
What minerals are found with xocomecatlite?+
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Find xocomecatlite on the map
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