Quetzalcoatlite Locality: Bambollita Mine (Oriental Mine), Moctezuma, Mun. de Moctezuma, Sonora, Mexico Blue quetzalcoatlite on quartz. Picture width 2 mm. Collection and photograph Christian Rewitzer — Photo: Christian Rewitzer · CC BY-SA 3.0
Quetzalcoatlite
A rare blue-green tellurate mineral containing silver-lead chloride inclusions, from Mexico.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Quetzalcoatlite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the halide class, with the chemical formula Cu²⁺₃Zn₆Te⁶⁺₂O₁₂(OH)₆·(Ag,Pb, )Cl.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group P-31m).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3; specific gravity 6.05; Pale blue, almost white streak; Pearly to dull luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Qzl, IMA status: approved, named in 1973.
A rare mineral found in the oxidized zone of tellurium-bearing hydrothermal ore deposits.
It is found associated with Hessite, galena, bornite, cerussite, azurite, chlorargyrite, teineite, quartz, barite, clay (Moctezuma mine, Mexico); khinite, dugganite, chlorargyrite.
The name refers to Quetzalcoatl, the Toltec and Aztec feathered serpent god of the sea, in allusion to its sea-blue color.