Daubréeite is a rare secondary bismuth halide mineral often occurring as a result of the alteration of bismuth-bearing minerals. It typically presents as soft, pearly crusts or massive aggregates within hydrothermal ore veins. Collectors look for its association with primary bismuth minerals in localities like Bolivia.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Daubréeite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this daubréeite?

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 daubréeite with a known reference. Daubréeite 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. Daubréeite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Daubréeite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, yellowish-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive, earthy, or as thin crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Bismite

Mohs 4.5

How to tell apart: Bismite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2.5); luster reads pearly on Daubréeite and adamantine on Bismite.

Often found alongside daubréeite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BiO(OH,Cl)
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.7-6.8 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Yellowish-white
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Earthy, Or as Thin Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Bismuth-rich Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find daubréeite

Classic worldwide localities

Tasna Mine, Potosí, Bolivia
Cornwall, England
Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in bismuth-rich deposits country — that is the host setting where daubréeite typically forms. If you start seeing bismuth, bismuthinite, cassiterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, earthy, or as thin crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify daubréeite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, yellowish-white.

Where is daubréeite found?+

Notable localities include Tasna Mine, Potosí, Bolivia; Cornwall, England; Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany.

How much is daubréeite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is daubréeite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains bismuth and chlorine; wash hands after handling specimens to avoid ingestion of powder or dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like daubréeite?+

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

What minerals are found with daubréeite?+

Daubréeite commonly co-occurs with Bismuth, Bismuthinite, Cassiterite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does daubréeite form in?+

Daubréeite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in bismuth-rich deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is daubréeite used for?+

Daubréeite is used in collector.

Find daubréeite on the map

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