Hemihedrite is a rare lead zinc chromate-silicate mineral prized by collectors for its vivid orange-red color and adamantine luster. It typically forms tabular, blocky crystals within oxidized zones of hydrothermal base metal deposits, often associated with other rare secondary lead minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Orange-yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Hemihedrite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Orange-yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this hemihedrite?

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 hemihedrite with a known reference. Hemihedrite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hemihedrite leaves a orange-yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hemihedrite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: orange, red-orange, brownish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, blocky, sometimes as crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Wulfenite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hemihedrite leaves orange-yellow, Wulfenite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Hemihedrite and resinous on Wulfenite.

Often found alongside hemihedrite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₁₀Zn(CrO₄)₆(SiO₄)₂(F,OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 6.4-6.5 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Red-orange Brownish-orange
Streak: Orange-yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Blocky, Sometimes as Crusts
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-zinc Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality

Where rockhounds find hemihedrite

Classic worldwide localities

Plomosa District, Arizona, USA
Touissit, Morocco
Mackenzie County, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where hemihedrite typically forms. If you start seeing wulfenite, quartz, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, blocky, sometimes as crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hemihedrite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is orange-yellow. Common colors include orange, red-orange, brownish-orange.

Where is hemihedrite found?+

Notable localities include Plomosa District, Arizona, USA; Touissit, Morocco; Mackenzie County, Australia.

How much is hemihedrite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is hemihedrite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and chromium, which are toxic; wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like hemihedrite?+

Hemihedrite is most often confused with Wulfenite, Crocoite, Phoenicochroite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with hemihedrite?+

Hemihedrite commonly co-occurs with Wulfenite, Quartz, Galena, Cerussite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hemihedrite form in?+

Hemihedrite typically forms in oxidized lead-zinc ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hemihedrite used for?+

Hemihedrite is used in collector.

Find hemihedrite on the map

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