Beudantite is a secondary mineral found in the oxidation zones of lead-bearing ore deposits. It typically forms small, sharp rhombohedral or pseudo-cubic crystals, often appearing in rich brown to yellow crusts or coatings on other host minerals.

Hardness

3.5-4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineraluncommonBeudantite Group family

Beudantite

Hardness: 3.5-4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this beudantite?

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 beudantite with a known reference. Beudantite sits at Mohs 3.5-4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Beudantite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Beudantite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, yellow, green, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, pseudocubic, tabular.

Often confused with

Beudantite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Beudantite leaves yellow, Woodhouseite leaves white.

Often found alongside beudantite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbFe₃(AsO₄)(SO₄)(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4.5
Density: 4.1-4.3 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Yellow Green Black
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals, Pseudocubic, Tabular
Cleavage: Distinct On {0001}
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Base Metal Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail specimens

Where rockhounds find beudantite

Classic worldwide localities

Grube Stahlberg, Germany
Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Broken Hill, Australia
Black Pine Mine, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of base metal hydrothermal deposits country, the host setting where beudantite typically forms. If you start seeing mimetite, pyromorphite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, pseudocubic, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify beudantite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include brown, yellow, green, black.

Where is beudantite found?+

Notable localities include Grube Stahlberg, Germany; Tsumeb Mine, Namibia; Broken Hill, Australia; Black Pine Mine, USA.

How much is beudantite worth?+

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

Is beudantite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and arsenic; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like beudantite?+

Beudantite is most often confused with Jarosite, Woodhouseite, Corkite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with beudantite?+

Beudantite commonly co-occurs with Mimetite, Pyromorphite, Anglesite, Limonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does beudantite form in?+

Beudantite typically forms in oxidized zones of base metal hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is beudantite used for?+

Beudantite is used in collector.

Find beudantite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.