Mawbyite is a rare secondary mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of base metal deposits. It is best identified by its distinct brownish-red, platy, or tabular crystals that often form crusts associated with other lead-bearing minerals. Its primary occurrence is the world-famous Tsumeb mine in Namibia.
Is this mawbyite?
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 mawbyite with a known reference. Mawbyite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mawbyite leaves a yellow-orange streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mawbyite typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, brownish-red, orange-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, aggregates.
Often confused with
Mawbyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mawbyite leaves yellow-orange, Carminite leaves yellowish-red; luster reads resinous on Mawbyite and vitreous on Carminite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mawbyite leaves yellow-orange, Arseniosiderite leaves yellowish-brown; luster reads resinous on Mawbyite and silky on Arseniosiderite.
Often found alongside mawbyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mawbyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbFe₂ (AsO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow-orange
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find mawbyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where mawbyite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, beudantite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find mawbyite on the map
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