How do I identify Tlapallite?

Tlapallite can be identified by its hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, viridian green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Tlapallite?

Tlapallite typically appears in viridian green. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Tlapallite?

Tlapallite has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Tlapallite

A variety of Minerals

What is Tlapallite?

Tlapallite is a rare and complex tellurate mineral with the formula (Ca,Pb)3CaCu6[Te3TeO12]2(TeO3)2(SO4)2 · 3 H2O. It has a Moh's hardness of 3 and it is green in colour. It was named after the Nahua word "Tlalpalli", which translates to paint, referring to the paint-like habit of the mineral. Its formula and crystal structure were redefined in 2019, showing it contained a mixed-valence phyllotellurate layer [Te3TeO12].

Tlapallite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Tlapallite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Tlapallite Localities Map

See where Tlapallite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Tlapallite

It was discovered in 1972 the Bambollita mine (La Oriental), Moctezuma, Municipio de Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico, a mine known for its tellurium deposits, and it was approved by the IMA in 1977. Here, it is found as thin paint-like crusts on rock fractures and next to thin veins running through rhyolite. It is often found as a thin film on quartz, sericite, calcite or baryte, but it also forms botryoidal aggregates. It is often found alone, but may be associated with other minerals, especially carlfriesite. It has also been found in the emerald mine in Tombstone District, Cochise County, Arizona in the United States. The habit of the mineral suggests it precipitates from rapidly drying acid solutions. It seems to form in the transitory phase when other tellurium minerals, like tlalocite, cesbronite, xocomecatlite, quetzalcoatlite, teineite and carlfriesite, start to break down.