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.
Is this chudobaite?
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 chudobaite with a known reference. Chudobaite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chudobaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chudobaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pinkish-white, pale pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed to tabular crystals, often in radiating clusters or crusts.
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
- (Mg,Zn)₅(AsO₄)₂(AsO₃OH)₂·10H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed to Tabular Crystals, Often in Radiating Clusters or Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Polymetallic Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on crystal quality and matrix
Where rockhounds find chudobaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Ojuela Mine, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal polymetallic deposits country — that is the host setting where chudobaite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, konichalcite, adamite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed to tabular crystals, often in radiating clusters or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find chudobaite on the map
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