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].
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Tlapallite 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.
Tlapallite Localities Map
See where Tlapallite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- viridian green
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3
- Density
- 4.65 - 5.38 g/cm³
- Streak
- pale green
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Ca,Pb)3CaCu6[Te4+3Te6+O12]2(Te4+O3)2(SO4)2·3H2O
- Elements
- Ca, Cu, H, O, Pb, S, Te
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Tlapallite FAQs
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.
What is the formation of tlapallite 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.
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