Bindheimite is a lead-antimony oxide typically found as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zones of lead deposits. It is most famous for occurring as yellow to orange earthy masses or as pseudomorphs, retaining the fibrous or acicular shapes of the original minerals it replaced.

Hardness

4-4.5

Mohs

Luster

Earthy

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Opaque

mineraluncommonPyrochlore Supergroup family

Bindheimite

Hardness: 4-4.5
Luster: Earthy
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Opaque

Is this bindheimite?

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 bindheimite with a known reference. Bindheimite sits at Mohs 4-4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bindheimite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bindheimite typically shows a earthy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, orange, brown, greenish, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, powdery, crusts, or as pseudomorphs after jamesonite and boulangerite.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Wulfenite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Bindheimite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4-4.5 vs. 3); streak differs — Bindheimite leaves yellow, Wulfenite leaves white; luster reads earthy on Bindheimite and resinous on Wulfenite.

Compare →

Often found alongside bindheimite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂Sb₂O₆(O,OH)
Mohs hardness: 4-4.5
Density: 4.6-5.6 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Orange Brown Greenish White
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Earthy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Massive, Powdery, Crusts, Or as Pseudomorphs After Jamesonite and Boulangerite
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Lead-antimony Bearing Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $10-100 depending on specimen size and clarity of pseudomorphs

Where rockhounds find bindheimite

Classic worldwide localities

Germany
Czech Republic
USA
Australia
Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of lead-antimony bearing hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where bindheimite typically forms. If you start seeing jamesonite, boulangerite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, powdery, crusts, or as pseudomorphs after jamesonite and boulangerite habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bindheimite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-4.5. It typically shows a earthy luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, orange, brown, greenish.

Where is bindheimite found?+

Notable localities include Germany; Czech Republic; USA; Australia; Mexico.

How much is bindheimite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-100 depending on specimen size and clarity of pseudomorphs. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is bindheimite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and antimony; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion of particles, especially if powdery. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like bindheimite?+

Bindheimite is most often confused with Wulfenite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with bindheimite?+

Bindheimite commonly co-occurs with Jamesonite, Boulangerite, Galena, Cerussite, Anglesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bindheimite form in?+

Bindheimite typically forms in oxidized zones of lead-antimony bearing hydrothermal ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bindheimite used for?+

Bindheimite is used in collector.

Find bindheimite on the map

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