Native Tellurium, Tellurite

This specimen features a very rich, well-defined vein of bright native tellurium crystalization within quartz matrix, with associated fractures revealing lustrous, rich yellow prisms of tellurite. Brilliant, silver-metallic native tellurium platelets sparkle across the surface, making this a visually striking and well-balanced example.

Collected from the renowned Moctezuma Mine in Sonora, Mexico, this gold-tellurium deposit is famous for producing an exceptional array of rare secondary tellurium minerals. This piece is an excellent combination specimen, showcasing both native and oxidized tellurium species. It is a highly representative and showy miniature example from this classic locality—an ideal addition for collectors of rare elements or tellurium mineralogy.

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This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years, where he was formally appointed the Honorary Curator of Mineralogy. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal.