Mimetite is a striking lead arsenate mineral often found in the oxidized zones of base metal deposits. Collectors value it for its vivid yellow-to-orange hues and its aesthetic botryoidal or hexagonal crystal habits, frequently appearing alongside wulfenite.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineraluncommonApatite Supergroup family

Mimetite

Also: Kampylite, Piesmithite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this mimetite?

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 mimetite with a known reference. Mimetite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mimetite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mimetite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, orange, brown, colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, botryoidal, crusts, globular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pyromorphite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Mimetite and resinous on Pyromorphite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Mimetite and resinous on Vanadinite.

Compare →

Often found alongside mimetite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₅(AsO₄)₃Cl
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 7.1-7.3 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Orange Brown Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Botryoidal, Crusts, Globular
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Lead-arsenic Mineral Deposits
Typical price: $20-200 depending on crystal size and location

Where rockhounds find mimetite

Classic worldwide localities

Johanngeorgenstadt, Germany
Mapimi, Mexico
Tsumeb, Namibia
Broken Hill, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of lead-arsenic mineral deposits country — that is the host setting where mimetite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, wulfenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, botryoidal, crusts, globular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mimetite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, orange, brown, colorless.

Where is mimetite found?+

Notable localities include Johanngeorgenstadt, Germany; Mapimi, Mexico; Tsumeb, Namibia; Broken Hill, Australia.

How much is mimetite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 depending on crystal size and location. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is mimetite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and arsenic. Avoid inhaling dust during preparation; wash hands thoroughly after handling and keep away from food. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like mimetite?+

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

What minerals are found with mimetite?+

Mimetite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Cerussite, Wulfenite, Smithsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mimetite form in?+

Mimetite typically forms in oxidized zones of lead-arsenic mineral deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mimetite used for?+

Mimetite is used in collector.

Find mimetite on the map

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