Joëlbruggerite is a rare tellurate mineral typically found as delicate, needle-like crystals in oxidized ore deposits. It is best identified by its vibrant yellowish-green color and radial habit, often requiring magnification for accurate field identification.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMixite Group family

Joëlbruggerite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this joëlbruggerite?

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 joëlbruggerite with a known reference. Joëlbruggerite 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. Joëlbruggerite leaves a pale yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Joëlbruggerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mixite

Mohs 3-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Joëlbruggerite leaves pale yellow, Mixite leaves white.

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Often found alongside joëlbruggerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃Zn₃(Te⁶⁺O₆)(AsO₄)(OH)₃
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 5.3 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-green
Streak: Pale Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radiating Sprays
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Base Metal Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find joëlbruggerite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Grand Central mine, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base metal deposits country — that is the host setting where joëlbruggerite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumebite, quartz, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify joëlbruggerite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-green.

Where is joëlbruggerite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia; Grand Central mine, Arizona, USA.

How much is joëlbruggerite worth?+

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

Is joëlbruggerite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like joëlbruggerite?+

Joëlbruggerite is most often confused with Mixite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with joëlbruggerite?+

Joëlbruggerite commonly co-occurs with Tsumebite, Quartz, Cerussite, Mimetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does joëlbruggerite form in?+

Joëlbruggerite typically forms in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base metal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is joëlbruggerite used for?+

Joëlbruggerite is used in collector.

Find joëlbruggerite on the map

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