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 — Carminite leaves yellowish-red, Ludlockite leaves yellow-orange; luster reads vitreous on Carminite and resinous on Ludlockite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Carminite leaves yellowish-red, Mimetite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Carminite and adamantine on Mimetite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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
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Find carminite on the map
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