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, so Mapimite leaves yellow, Adamite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Legrandite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2); streak differs, so 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, 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
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Find mapimite on the map
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