Choloalite is a very rare tellurite mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of tellurium-bearing deposits. It typically forms minute, sharp cubic or octahedral crystals that exhibit a distinct adamantine luster and a forest-greenish hue.
Is this choloalite?
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 choloalite with a known reference. Choloalite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Choloalite leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Choloalite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: forest-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: small octahedrons and trapezohedrons.
Often confused with
Choloalite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Choloalite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs, so Choloalite leaves pale green, Tellurite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Choloalite and subadamantine on Tellurite.
How to tell apart: Choloalite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1); streak differs, so Choloalite leaves pale green, Paratellurite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Choloalite and resinous to waxy on Paratellurite.
Often found alongside choloalite
Minerals reported to co-occur with choloalite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Pb,Ca)₃(Cu,Sb)₃Te₆O₁₈Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 6.4 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Small Octahedrons and Trapezohedrons
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Tellurium-rich Ore Deposits
Where rockhounds find choloalite
Classic worldwide localities
- Moctezuma Mine, Sonora, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal tellurium-rich ore deposits country, the host setting where choloalite typically forms. If you start seeing tellurite, paratellurite, quetzalcoatlite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small octahedrons and trapezohedrons habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify choloalite?+
Where is choloalite found?+
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Find choloalite on the map
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