Teineite
A variety of Minerals
What is Teineite?
Teineite is a tellurite mineral with the formula Cu(TeO3) . 2 H2O. It has a Moh's hardness of 2.5 and it comes in many different shades of blue, ranging from cerulean blue to bluish-gray. The mineral millsite has the same chemical composition, but crystallizes in the monoclinic system, while teineite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Teineite 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.
Teineite Localities Map
See where Teineite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Teineite
Teineite was first identified in the Teine mine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, where the name of this mineral originates. It occurs in veins where copper- and tellurium-bearing sulfides were oxidized and is often associated with tellurite, tellurium, pyrite, tetrahedrite, sphalerite, azurite, malachite, quartz, baryte, hessite, galena, bornite, cerussite, chlorargyrite, quetzalcoatlite, cuprite and graemite. It has also been found in other places, including other mines in Japan, several mines in the US and mines in Mexico, Belgium, Russia and Norway.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Sky-blue, cobalt-blue, bluish gray; bright blue to greenish blue in transmitted light.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5
- Density
- 3.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale blue
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu2+(Te4+O3) · 2H2O
- Elements
- Cu, H, O, Te
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Teineite FAQs
How do I identify Teineite?
Teineite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, Sky-blue color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Teineite?
Teineite typically appears in Sky-blue, cobalt-blue, bluish gray; bright blue to greenish blue in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Teineite?
Teineite has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the formation of teineite of Teineite?
Teineite was first identified in the Teine mine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, where the name of this mineral originates. It occurs in veins where copper- and tellurium-bearing sulfides were oxidized and is often associated with tellurite, tellurium, pyrite, tetrahedrite, sphalerite, azurite, malachite, quartz, baryte, hessite, galena, bornite, cerussite, chlorargyrite, quetzalcoatlite, cuprite and graemite. It has also been found in other places, including other mines in Japan, several mines in the US and mines in Mexico, Belgium, Russia and Norway.
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