Hydroxylpyromorphite is a rare member of the apatite supergroup characterized by its hydroxyl-dominant structure compared to its more common phosphate counterparts. Collectors should look for its distinctive resinous luster and hexagonal crystal habit, often found as secondary minerals in the oxidized zones of lead-rich ore bodies.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareApatite Group family

Hydroxylpyromorphite

Also: Polysphaerite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Resinous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this hydroxylpyromorphite?

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 hydroxylpyromorphite with a known reference. Hydroxylpyromorphite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydroxylpyromorphite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroxylpyromorphite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, green, white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: hexagonal prisms, barrel-shaped crystals, crusts, globular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads resinous on Hydroxylpyromorphite and adamantine on Mimetite.

Often found alongside hydroxylpyromorphite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₅(PO₄)₃(OH)
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 6.6-7.1 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Green White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Hexagonal Prisms, Barrel-shaped Crystals, Crusts, Globular
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Lead-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $20-200 thumbnail, $150-1000+ cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find hydroxylpyromorphite

Classic worldwide localities

Bad Ems, Germany
Daoping, China
Broken Hill, Australia
Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of lead-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where hydroxylpyromorphite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal prisms, barrel-shaped crystals, crusts, globular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hydroxylpyromorphite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, green, white.

Where is hydroxylpyromorphite found?+

Notable localities include Bad Ems, Germany; Daoping, China; Broken Hill, Australia; Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia.

How much is hydroxylpyromorphite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 thumbnail, $150-1000+ cabinet specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is hydroxylpyromorphite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic; always 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 hydroxylpyromorphite?+

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

What minerals are found with hydroxylpyromorphite?+

Hydroxylpyromorphite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Cerussite, Anglesite, Limonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hydroxylpyromorphite form in?+

Hydroxylpyromorphite typically forms in oxidized zones of lead-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hydroxylpyromorphite used for?+

Hydroxylpyromorphite is used in collector.

Find hydroxylpyromorphite on the map

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