Choloalite Locality: Moctezuma Mine (Bambolla Mine), Moctezuma , Municipio de Moctezuma , Sonora , Mexico ( Locality at mindat.org ) Darkgreen octahedral crystals of choloalite. Field of view, 1.5mm x 1.5mm. Collection and photograph Christian Rewitzer — Photo: Christian Rewitzer · CC BY-SA 3.0
Choloalite
Choloalite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the halide class, with the chemical formula (Pb,Ca)₃(Cu,Sb)₃Te₆O₁₈Cl.
It crystallizes in the cubic crystal system (space group P4_132).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3; specific gravity 6.4; Pale green streak; Adamantine luster.
IMA symbol Cho, IMA status: approved, named in 1980.
With other tellurites and tellurates in the oxidized portions of base and precious metal deposits.
It is found associated with Emmonsite, rodalquilarite, cerussite, jarosite, “opal” (Tombstone, Arizona, USA).
The name comes from the Nahua language choloa, for evasive, the mineral having been undetected for many years.