How do I identify Walfordite?

Walfordite can be identified by its Orange color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Walfordite?

Walfordite typically appears in Orange. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Walfordite

A variety of Minerals

What is Walfordite?

Walfordite is a very rare tellurite mineral that was discovered in Chile in 1999. The mineral is described as orange with orange-yellow streak, and is determined to have a chemical formula of Fe,TeTe3O8 with minor titanium and magnesium substitution resulting in an approximate empirical formula of (Fe,Te,Ti,Mg)(Te)3O8.

Walfordite Market Value Calculator

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

Walfordite Localities Map

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

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Walfordite

The only reported occurrence is in the Wendy open pit, El Indio-Tambo mining district of the Coquimbo Region, northern Chile where it occurs in oxidized breccia associated with a tellurium-bearing gold deposit. Associated minerals include: alunite, rodalquilarite, native gold, emmonsite, jarosite and pyrite. The mineral was named for mine geologist Phillip Walford (1945— ) who first noted the mineral.