Carminite is a rare and striking lead-iron arsenate mineral primarily found in the oxidized zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal ore deposits. Collectors prize its vibrant carmine-red, needle-like or bladed crystals that typically form beautiful radiating sprays or crusts. It is most frequently associated with other secondary arsenic minerals like mimetite and scorodite.
Is this carminite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch carminite with a known reference. Carminite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Carminite leaves a yellowish-red streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Carminite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: carmine-red, reddish-brown, orange-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or bladed crystals, often in spherical or radiating aggregates.
Often confused with
Carminite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Carminite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs, so Carminite leaves yellowish-red, Ludlockite leaves yellow-orange; luster reads vitreous on Carminite and resinous on Ludlockite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Carminite leaves yellowish-red, Mimetite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Carminite and adamantine on Mimetite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Carminite leaves yellowish-red, Vanadinite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Carminite and resinous on Vanadinite.
Often found alongside carminite
Minerals reported to co-occur with carminite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbFe²⁺₂ (AsO₄)₂ (OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.0-5.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-red
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Bladed Crystals, Often in Spherical or Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Arsenic-rich Hydrothermal Base Metal Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-200 per specimen depending on crystal quality and size
Where rockhounds find carminite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ojuela Mine, Mexico
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Gunnison County, Colorado, USA
- Reichenbach, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal base metal deposits country, the host setting where carminite typically forms. If you start seeing mimetite, beudantite, scorodite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or bladed crystals, often in spherical or radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify carminite?+
Where is carminite found?+
How much is carminite worth?+
Is carminite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like carminite?+
What minerals are found with carminite?+
What kind of rock does carminite form in?+
What is carminite used for?+
Find carminite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
