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, so 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, 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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