Dussertite is a rare barium-iron arsenate mineral that typically forms as small, tabular, hexagonal crystals or distinct crusts in oxidized mineral deposits. Collectors usually find it as a secondary mineral in the weathered zones of arsenic-rich ore bodies, often associated with other iron-bearing sulfates and arsenates.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBeudantite Group family

Dussertite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this dussertite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Dussertite leaves yellow, Arseniosiderite leaves yellowish-brown; luster reads vitreous on Dussertite and silky on Arseniosiderite.

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Often found alongside dussertite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BaFe₃(AsO₄)(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 4.2 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green Brown
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Botryoidal
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 for micro-mounts and thumbnails

Where rockhounds find dussertite

Classic worldwide localities

Dussert mine, Algeria
Laurion, Greece
Ojuela Mine, Mexico
Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal ore deposits country, the host setting where dussertite typically forms. If you start seeing goethite, hematite, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, botryoidal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dussertite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-green, brown.

Where is dussertite found?+

Notable localities include Dussert mine, Algeria; Laurion, Greece; Ojuela Mine, Mexico; Tsumeb, Namibia.

How much is dussertite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for micro-mounts and thumbnails. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is dussertite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and do not inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like dussertite?+

Dussertite is most often confused with Beudantite, Corkite, Arseniosiderite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with dussertite?+

Dussertite commonly co-occurs with Goethite, Hematite, Jarosite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dussertite form in?+

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

What is dussertite used for?+

Dussertite is used in collector.

Find dussertite on the map

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