Hodgesmithite is a rare secondary sulfate mineral that typically forms as a crust or as thin, platy crystals. It is primarily known from the oxidized zones of lead-zinc deposits, specifically found at the Broken Hill mine in Australia. Collectors usually identify it through association with other zinc-rich secondary minerals like smithsonite.
Is this hodgesmithite?
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 hodgesmithite with a known reference. Hodgesmithite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hodgesmithite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hodgesmithite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating aggregates.
Often confused with
Hodgesmithite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Hodgesmithite and pearly on Serpierite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hodgesmithite leaves white, Devilline leaves pale blue.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Hodgesmithite and pearly on Namuwite.
Often found alongside hodgesmithite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hodgesmithite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Zn,Cu,Mg)₄(SO₄)(OH)₆·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hodgesmithite
Classic worldwide localities
- Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized ore deposits country, the host setting where hodgesmithite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, smithsonite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hodgesmithite on the map
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