Quetzalcoatlite
A variety of Minerals
What is Quetzalcoatlite?
Quetzalcoatlite is a rare tellurium oxysalt mineral with the formula Zn6Cu3(TeO6)2(OH)6 · AgxPbyClx+2y. It also contains large amounts of silver- and lead(II)chloride with the formula AgxPbyClx+2y (x+y≤2). It has a Moh's hardness of 3 and it crystallizes in the trigonal system. It has a deep blue color. It was named after Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec and Toltec god of the sea, alluding to its color. It is not to be confused with tlalocite, which has a similar color and habit.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Quetzalcoatlite 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.
Quetzalcoatlite Localities Map
See where Quetzalcoatlite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Quetzalcoatlite
Quetzalcoatlite was first identified in the Bambollita mine (La Oriental), Moctezuma, Municipio de Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico. It was later also found in another nearby mine, the Moctezuma mine, and it has also been found in mines in Arizona, Utah and California. It occurs as a rare mineral in the oxidized zone of tellurium-bearing hydrothermal deposits and it is often associated with hessite, galena, bornite, cerussite, azurite, chlorargyrite, teineite, quartz, baryte, khinite, dugganite, and gold.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Blue
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3
- Density
- 4.82 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale blue, almost white
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Zn6Cu3(TeO6)2(OH)6 · AgxPbyClx+2y
- Elements
- Ag, Cl, Cu, H, O, Pb, Te, Zn
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Quetzalcoatlite FAQs
How do I identify Quetzalcoatlite?
Quetzalcoatlite can be identified by its hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, Blue color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Quetzalcoatlite?
Quetzalcoatlite typically appears in Blue. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Quetzalcoatlite?
Quetzalcoatlite has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the formation of quetzalcoatlite of Quetzalcoatlite?
Quetzalcoatlite was first identified in the Bambollita mine (La Oriental), Moctezuma, Municipio de Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico. It was later also found in another nearby mine, the Moctezuma mine, and it has also been found in mines in Arizona, Utah and California. It occurs as a rare mineral in the oxidized zone of tellurium-bearing hydrothermal deposits and it is often associated with hessite, galena, bornite, cerussite, azurite, chlorargyrite, teineite, quartz, baryte, khinite, dugganite, and gold.
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