Mapimite is a rare zinc-iron arsenate mineral primarily found in the oxidized zones of the Ojuela Mine in Mexico. It is most recognized for its beautiful, honey-yellow, lath-like or bladed crystals that often form radial sprays or distinct clusters.
Is this mapimite?
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 mapimite with a known reference. Mapimite 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. Mapimite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mapimite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial sprays.
Often confused with
Mapimite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Adamite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Mapimite leaves yellow, Adamite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Legrandite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Mapimite leaves yellow, Legrandite leaves white.
Often found alongside mapimite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mapimite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Zn₂Fe₃(AsO₄)₃(OH)₂·10H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.84 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals, Radial Sprays
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Zones in Limestone
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size
Where rockhounds find mapimite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Durango, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal zones in limestone country — that is the host setting where mapimite typically forms. If you start seeing adamite, legrandite, wulfenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radial sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mapimite?+
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Find mapimite on the map
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