Black crystal aggregates of the very rare Cu-Se-Te mineral bambollaite from the type locality in the Bambolla mine (Moctezuma Mine, Moctezuma, Moctezuma Municipality, Sonora, Mexico). Ex Vandenbroucke Museum collection from Waregem, Belgium. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Bambollaite
Bambollaite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfide class, with the chemical formula Cu(Se,Te)₂.
It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system (space group I4_1/amd).
Key properties: specific gravity 5.64.
IMA symbol Bmb, IMA status: approved, named in 1965.
Found in oxidized Au–Te ore in subparallel quartz veins in a hydrothermally altered tuff.
It is found associated with Klockmannite, tellurium, selenium, chalcomenite, tellurite, paratellurite, illite, calcite, quartz.
The name refers to the Spanish nickname “La Bambolla” of the mine where it occurs, which roughly translates into “hot air” in allusion to exaggerated tales of rich gold ore.