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 — 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 — that is 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.