Teallite

specimen number:
2063319

location:
Oruro, Bolivia

description:
Good reference example for the species with sparkling metallic crystalline and massive teallite covering most of the top of matrix. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.

Situated in the high-altitude Altiplano of western Bolivia, the historic Oruro mining district features rich polymetallic vein systems formed within Tertiary-age volcanic domes, subvolcanic porphyries, and Paleozoic sedimentary strata. Extensively worked since pre-Columbian times and expanded under Spanish colonial rule in the late sixteenth century, the region evolved into a major global producer of tin, silver, lead, and zinc. Oruro is especially famous among mineral collectors as the discovery area for teallite, a rare lead tin sulfide mineral first described in 1904 from local deposits. Characterized by its silvery-grey, metallic luster, soft texture, and thin, flexible lamellar crystals, teallite forms striking mineral specimens that remain highly prized items from these classic Bolivian localities.

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