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. Streak: copper-brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: chocolate brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: encrustations, micaceous.
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
- 4.1 g/cm³
- Colors
- Chocolate brown
- Streak
- Copper-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Encrustations, micaceous
- Cleavage
- Perfect micaceous
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- From the weathering of an epithermal quartz-tellurium-gold vein system
Where rockhounds find xocolatlite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bambolla mine, Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: From the weathering of an epithermal quartz-tellurium-gold vein system. If you start seeing quartz, barite, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: encrustations, micaceous. 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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