Chudobaite is a rare arsenate mineral characterized by its delicate, tabular crystal habit and soft pale coloration. It is primarily found in the secondary oxidation zones of complex arsenic-rich ore deposits, most notably the Tsumeb Mine. Due to its fragility and rarity, it is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Chudobaite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this chudobaite?

4-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 chudobaite with a known reference. Chudobaite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, pink, rose, white.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: euhedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside chudobaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg₅(AsO₄)₂(AsO₃OH)₂·10H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 2.94 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Pink Rose White
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Euhedral crystals
Cleavage: On {010}, very good; {100}, good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a deep oxidation zone of a dolostone-hosted hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposit

Where rockhounds find chudobaite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a deep oxidation zone of a dolostone-hosted hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposit. If you start seeing conichalcite, cuprian adamite, zincian olivenite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: euhedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chudobaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, pink, rose, white.

Where is chudobaite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb, Namibia.

Is chudobaite safe to handle?+

Chudobaite contains arsenic and calls for real care. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust; always wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens.

What rocks look like chudobaite?+

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

What minerals are found with chudobaite?+

Chudobaite commonly co-occurs with Conichalcite, Cuprian adamite, Zincian olivenite, Ferrilotharmeyerite, Chalcocite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chudobaite form in?+

Where it forms: In a deep oxidation zone of a dolostone-hosted hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chudobaite used for?+

Chudobaite is used in collector.

Find chudobaite on the map

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