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.
Is this xocolatlite?
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 xocolatlite with a known reference. Xocolatlite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Xocolatlite leaves a copper-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Xocolatlite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: chocolate-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Xocolatlite leaves copper-brown, Tellurite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Xocolatlite and subadamantine on Tellurite.
How to tell apart: Xocolatlite is noticeably harder (Mohs 2-3 vs. 1); streak differs, so Xocolatlite leaves copper-brown, Paratellurite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Xocolatlite and resinous to waxy on Paratellurite.
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
- Ca₂Mn⁴⁺₂Te⁶⁺₂O₁₂·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.97 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Copper-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect Micaceous
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Tellurium Ore Deposits
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
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Find xocolatlite on the map
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