Galloplumbogummite is an exceptionally rare member of the plumbogummite group, forming as a secondary mineral in lead-rich oxidation zones. It is most commonly found as small, dull, yellowish-brown encrustations or botryoidal masses, often misidentified without micro-analysis due to its similarity to other group members.
Is this galloplumbogummite?
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 galloplumbogummite with a known reference. Galloplumbogummite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Galloplumbogummite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Galloplumbogummite typically shows a greasy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive, crusts, botryoidal.
Often confused with
Galloplumbogummite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside galloplumbogummite
Minerals reported to co-occur with galloplumbogummite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbGa(PO₄)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 4.6-4.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Greasy
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Crusts, Botryoidal
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Lead-bearing Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find galloplumbogummite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of lead-bearing hydrothermal ore deposits country, the host setting where galloplumbogummite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, mimetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, crusts, botryoidal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify galloplumbogummite?+
Where is galloplumbogummite found?+
How much is galloplumbogummite worth?+
Is galloplumbogummite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like galloplumbogummite?+
What minerals are found with galloplumbogummite?+
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Find galloplumbogummite on the map
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