Carlfriesite
A variety of Minerals
What is Carlfriesite?
Carlfriesite is a rare tellurium mineral with the formula CaTe2TeO8, or more simplified: CaTe3O8. It has a Moh's hardness of 3.5 and it occurs in various shades of yellow, ranging from bright yellow to a light buttery color. It was named after Carl Fries Jr. (1910–1965) from the U.S. Geological Survey and the Geological Institute of the National University, Mexico City, Mexico. It was previously thought to have the formula H4Ca(TeO3)3, but this was proven to be incorrect. It has no uses beyond being a collector's item.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Carlfriesite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Carlfriesite Localities Map
See where Carlfriesite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Carlfriesite
Carlfriesite is often found in cavities in hydrothermal gold-tellurium deposits. It is found associated with cerussite, chlorargyrite, argentian gold, cesbronite, calcite, dickite, baryte, bornite, galena, hessite and tlapallite. It was first identified in the Bambollita (La Oriental), Moctezuma, Municipio de Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico. It is also found in another nearby mine, namely the Moctezuma mine.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Yellow
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- Very pale yellow
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- CaTe4+2Te6+O8
- Elements
- Ca, O, Te
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Carlfriesite FAQs
How do I identify Carlfriesite?
Carlfriesite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Yellow color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Carlfriesite?
Carlfriesite typically appears in Yellow. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Carlfriesite?
Carlfriesite has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of carlfriesite of Carlfriesite?
Carlfriesite is often found in cavities in hydrothermal gold-tellurium deposits. It is found associated with cerussite, chlorargyrite, argentian gold, cesbronite, calcite, dickite, baryte, bornite, galena, hessite and tlapallite. It was first identified in the Bambollita (La Oriental), Moctezuma, Municipio de Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico. It is also found in another nearby mine, namely the Moctezuma mine.
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