Arsentsumebite is a rare secondary mineral found in the oxidation zones of lead-zinc deposits. It typically forms attractive green crusts or small crystal aggregates and is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors for its association with the iconic Tsumeb mine specimens.
Is this arsentsumebite?
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 arsentsumebite with a known reference. Arsentsumebite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arsentsumebite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Arsentsumebite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green, emerald-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: crusts, botryoidal, aggregates of tiny crystals.
Often confused with
Arsentsumebite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Arsentsumebite leaves light green, Mimetite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Arsentsumebite and adamantine on Mimetite.
How to tell apart: Conichalcite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 3.5).
Often found alongside arsentsumebite
Minerals reported to co-occur with arsentsumebite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Cu(AsO₄)(SO₄)(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.0-6.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Crusts, Botryoidal, Aggregates of Tiny Crystals
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal quality and matrix
Where rockhounds find arsentsumebite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Ojuela Mine, Mexico
- Laurion, Greece
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where arsentsumebite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, malachite, mimetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, botryoidal, aggregates of tiny crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find arsentsumebite on the map
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