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 — 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 — that is 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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