Hereroite is a rare lead-arsenic oxychloride mineral found in the oxidation zones of ore deposits. It typically forms small, vibrant yellow tabular crystals and is known almost exclusively from the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Hereroite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this hereroite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mimetite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hereroite leaves yellow, Mimetite leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hereroite leaves yellow, Leadhillite leaves white.

Compare →

Often found alongside hereroite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₁₄(AsO₄)₂O₉Cl₄
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 6.68 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
Typical price: $100-500+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find hereroite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where hereroite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, mimetite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hereroite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-green.

Where is hereroite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

How much is hereroite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is hereroite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and arsenic; handle with care, wash hands after touching, and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like hereroite?+

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

What minerals are found with hereroite?+

Hereroite commonly co-occurs with Tsumcorite, Mimetite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hereroite form in?+

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

What is hereroite used for?+

Hereroite is used in collector.

Find hereroite on the map

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