Devitoite is an extremely rare lead-silicate-phosphate mineral characterized by its distinctive golden-yellow to brown platy, micaceous habit. It was first identified in the sanbornite deposits of Fresno County, California, where it forms small, delicate crystals within metamorphosed silicate rocks. Due to its extreme rarity and high lead content, it is primarily a target for advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Devitoite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this devitoite?

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

Often found alongside devitoite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: [Pb₆(PO₄)₄][Pb₈O₂(SiO₄)₄(Si₂O₇)]
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.17 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy or Micaceous Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Sanbornite-bearing Rocks
Typical price: $100-500 depending on specimen size and rarity

Where rockhounds find devitoite

Classic worldwide localities

Big Bunch claim, Fresno County, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic sanbornite-bearing rocks country — that is the host setting where devitoite typically forms. If you start seeing sanbornite, quartz, witherite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy or micaceous crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify devitoite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is devitoite found?+

Notable localities include Big Bunch claim, Fresno County, California, USA.

How much is devitoite worth?+

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

Is devitoite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What minerals are found with devitoite?+

Devitoite commonly co-occurs with Sanbornite, Quartz, Witherite, Taramellite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does devitoite form in?+

Devitoite typically forms in metamorphic sanbornite-bearing rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is devitoite used for?+

Devitoite is used in collector.

Find devitoite on the map

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