Davidlloydite is an extremely rare zinc arsenate mineral that occurs as small, delicate tabular crystals. It is primarily found in the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia, typically associated with other secondary arsenic and zinc minerals in the oxidation zone of ore deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareHopeite Group family

Davidlloydite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this davidlloydite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside davidlloydite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Zn₃(AsO₄)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find davidlloydite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify davidlloydite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is davidlloydite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

How much is davidlloydite worth?+

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

Is davidlloydite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, a toxic element. Handle with care, wash hands after touching, and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like davidlloydite?+

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

What minerals are found with davidlloydite?+

Davidlloydite commonly co-occurs with Adamite, Smithsonite, Cornetite, Legrandite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does davidlloydite form in?+

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

What is davidlloydite used for?+

Davidlloydite is used in collector.

Find davidlloydite on the map

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