Leiteite is a rare zinc arsenite mineral primarily found in the Tsumeb Mine. It forms distinct, thin, pearly platy crystals and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its scarcity and delicate habit.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Leiteite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this leiteite?

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 leiteite with a known reference. Leiteite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Leiteite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Leiteite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Claudetite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Leiteite and vitreous on Claudetite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Leiteite leaves white, Ludlockite leaves yellow-orange; luster reads pearly on Leiteite and resinous on Ludlockite.

Compare →

Often found alongside leiteite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: ZnAs₂O₄
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 5.02 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mineral Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find leiteite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mineral deposits country — that is the host setting where leiteite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, zincite, adamite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify leiteite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellowish.

Where is leiteite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

How much is leiteite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is leiteite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like leiteite?+

Leiteite is most often confused with Claudetite, Ludlockite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with leiteite?+

Leiteite commonly co-occurs with Tsumcorite, Zincite, Adamite, Smithsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does leiteite form in?+

Leiteite typically forms in hydrothermal mineral deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is leiteite used for?+

Leiteite is used in collector.

Find leiteite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.