Damaraite is a very rare lead oxychloride mineral primarily known from the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia. It typically occurs as small, colorless to white tabular crystals or radiating sprays found in the oxidized zones of lead-rich ore bodies.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Damaraite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this damaraite?

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 damaraite with a known reference. Damaraite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Damaraite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Damaraite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside damaraite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃O₂(OH)Cl
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.68 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find damaraite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where damaraite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify damaraite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is damaraite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

How much is damaraite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is damaraite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and keep away from food preparation areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like damaraite?+

Damaraite is most often confused with Laurionite, Penfieldite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with damaraite?+

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

What kind of rock does damaraite form in?+

Damaraite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is damaraite used for?+

Damaraite is used in collector.

Find damaraite on the map

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