Eddavidite is a member of the crichtonite group, typically occurring as small black crystals or grains. It was first described from the Ediacara silver mine, where it is found in hydrothermal vein deposits. Its identification often requires X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis due to its visual similarity to other members of its complex mineral group.
Is this eddavidite?
5-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.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Eddavidite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Eddavidite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Eddavidite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Eddavidite and submetallic on Crichtonite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Eddavidite and submetallic on Lindsleyite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Eddavidite leaves black, Mathiasite leaves brownish black; luster reads metallic on Eddavidite and submetallic on Mathiasite.
Often found alongside eddavidite
Minerals reported to co-occur with eddavidite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb(Mn,Fe,Zn)₂(Ti,Fe)₁₈O₃₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 4.7-4.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find eddavidite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ediacara Silver Mine, South Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where eddavidite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, quartz, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find eddavidite on the map
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