Dugganite is a rare lead zinc tellurate arsenate mineral typically found as small, green, hexagonal prismatic crystals or crusts. It is most famous for its occurrence in the oxidized zones of the mines in Tombstone, Arizona, where it appears alongside other rare secondary minerals. Due to its arsenic and lead content, collectors should handle specimens with care and store them securely.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTellurite Group family

Dugganite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this dugganite?

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 dugganite with a known reference. Dugganite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dugganite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dugganite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: hexagonal prisms, crusts, coatings.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mimetite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Dugganite and adamantine on Mimetite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Dugganite and resinous on Wulfenite.

Compare →

Often found alongside dugganite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃Zn₃(Te⁶⁺O₆)(AsO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 5.65 g/cm³
Colors: Green Yellow-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Hexagonal Prisms, Crusts, Coatings
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find dugganite

Classic worldwide localities

Tombstone, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where dugganite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, mimetite, wulfenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal prisms, crusts, coatings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dugganite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green, yellow-green.

Where is dugganite found?+

Notable localities include Tombstone, Arizona, USA.

How much is dugganite 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 dugganite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like dugganite?+

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

What minerals are found with dugganite?+

Dugganite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Mimetite, Wulfenite, Jarosite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dugganite form in?+

Dugganite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is dugganite used for?+

Dugganite is used in collector.

Find dugganite on the map

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