Arsendescloizite is a rare secondary mineral typically found as small, dull-lustered crusts or rounded aggregates within the oxidized zones of lead-zinc deposits. It is chemically an arsenate analog of descloizite and is frequently found in association with other lead-bearing minerals in classic localities like Tsumeb.
Is this arsendescloizite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch arsendescloizite with a known reference. Arsendescloizite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arsendescloizite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Arsendescloizite typically shows a greasy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish yellow, brownish yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: crusts, mammillary, or spherical aggregates.
Often confused with
Arsendescloizite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Arsendescloizite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 3-3.5); streak differs — Arsendescloizite leaves yellow, Descloizite leaves orange to brownish-red; luster reads greasy on Arsendescloizite and greasy to adamantine on Descloizite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Arsendescloizite leaves yellow, Mimetite leaves white; luster reads greasy on Arsendescloizite and adamantine on Mimetite.
Often found alongside arsendescloizite
Minerals reported to co-occur with arsendescloizite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbZn(AsO₄)(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 6.0-6.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Greasy
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Crusts, Mammillary, Or Spherical Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find arsendescloizite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine (Namibia)
- Ojuela Mine (Mexico)
- Mapimí (Mexico)
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where arsendescloizite typically forms. If you start seeing descloizite, mimetite, smithsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, mammillary, or spherical aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find arsendescloizite on the map
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