Beyerite is a rare secondary bismuth carbonate mineral typically forming as thin, platy, or micaceous yellow to yellowish-white crusts. It is most often identified by its association with primary bismuth minerals in oxidized hydrothermal ore deposits and its characteristic pearly luster.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Beyerite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this beyerite?

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 beyerite with a known reference. Beyerite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Beyerite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Beyerite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside beyerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ca,Pb)Bi₂(CO₃)₂O₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 6.5-6.6 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-white Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find beyerite

Classic worldwide localities

Schneeberg, Germany
Tsumeb, Namibia
San Pedro Nolasco, Mexico
Coahuila, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where beyerite typically forms. If you start seeing bismutite, quartz, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify beyerite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-white, gray.

Where is beyerite found?+

Notable localities include Schneeberg, Germany; Tsumeb, Namibia; San Pedro Nolasco, Mexico; Coahuila, Mexico.

How much is beyerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is beyerite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like beyerite?+

Beyerite is most often confused with Bismutite, Kettnerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with beyerite?+

Beyerite commonly co-occurs with Bismutite, Quartz, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does beyerite form in?+

Beyerite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is beyerite used for?+

Beyerite is used in collector.

Find beyerite on the map

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