Eddavidite is a rare copper lead oxide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2018. It was first described from Southwest Mine, Bisbee, Warren District, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA.
Is this eddavidite?
4-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch eddavidite with a known reference. Eddavidite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic.
Often confused with
Eddavidite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Eddavidite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6 vs. 4.5-5).
How to tell apart: Lindsleyite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5 vs. 6).
How to tell apart: Mathiasite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5 vs. 6).
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₁₂Pb₂O₁₅Br₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 4.7-4.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- hydrothermal veins
Where rockhounds find eddavidite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ediacara Silver Mine, South Australia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: hydrothermal veins. If you start seeing bisbee, warren district, cochise co in float, you are in the right ground.
Common questions
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Find eddavidite on the map
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