Gaitite is a rare arsenate mineral that forms as thin, bladed crystals often arranged in delicate radiating clusters. It is almost exclusively found in the unique oxidation zone of the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia. Its distinct crystal habit and association with other rare secondary arsenates make it a prize for advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Gaitite

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

Is this gaitite?

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 gaitite with a known reference. Gaitite 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. Gaitite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Gaitite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial clusters.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Talmessite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5).

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Often found alongside gaitite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: H₂Ca₂Zn(AsO₄)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Bladed Crystals, Radial Clusters
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mineral Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find gaitite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mineral deposits country — that is the host setting where gaitite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, koritnigite, smithsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radial clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify gaitite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale pink.

Where is gaitite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

How much is gaitite 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 gaitite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, a toxic element. Handle with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like gaitite?+

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

What minerals are found with gaitite?+

Gaitite commonly co-occurs with Tsumcorite, Koritnigite, Smithsonite, Ludlockite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does gaitite form in?+

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

What is gaitite used for?+

Gaitite is used in collector.

Find gaitite on the map

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