Beaverite-(Zn) is a rare secondary mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of lead-zinc ore deposits. It usually appears as fine-grained, earthy coatings or crusts with a characteristic yellow color, often requiring micro-analysis for positive identification.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Earthy

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAlunite Supergroup family

Beaverite-(Zn)

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Earthy
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this beaverite-(zn)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch beaverite-(zn) with a known reference. Beaverite-(Zn) sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Beaverite-(Zn) leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Beaverite-(Zn) typically shows a earthy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates, earthy crusts.

Often confused with

Beaverite-(Zn) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Jarosite

Mohs 2.5-3.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads earthy on Beaverite-(Zn) and vitreous on Jarosite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Beaverite-(Zn) leaves yellow, Beaverite-(Cu) leaves pale yellow.

Often found alongside beaverite-(zn)

Minerals reported to co-occur with beaverite-(zn). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: PbCu₂(Zn,Fe³⁺)₂(SO₄)₂(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.2 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Greenish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Earthy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Microcrystalline Aggregates, Earthy Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-zinc Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen

Where rockhounds find beaverite-(zn)

Classic worldwide localities

Beaver County, Utah, USA
Tsumeb, Namibia
Lavrion, Greece
Broken Hill, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-zinc hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where beaverite-(zn) typically forms. If you start seeing anglesite, cerussite, smithsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates, earthy crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify beaverite-(zn)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a earthy luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, greenish-yellow.

Where is beaverite-(zn) found?+

Notable localities include Beaver County, Utah, USA; Tsumeb, Namibia; Lavrion, Greece; Broken Hill, Australia.

How much is beaverite-(zn) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is beaverite-(zn) safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and copper, which can be toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like beaverite-(zn)?+

Beaverite-(Zn) is most often confused with Jarosite, Beaverite-(Cu), Plumbojarosite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with beaverite-(zn)?+

Beaverite-(Zn) commonly co-occurs with Anglesite, Cerussite, Smithsonite, Goethite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does beaverite-(zn) form in?+

Beaverite-(Zn) typically forms in oxidized lead-zinc hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is beaverite-(zn) used for?+

Beaverite-(Zn) is used in collector.

Find beaverite-(zn) on the map

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