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 — 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 — Xocomecatlite leaves light green, Mackayite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Xocomecatlite and sub-adamantine on Mackayite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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