Paradamite is a rare zinc arsenate mineral that is structurally related to hopeite. It typically forms as sharp, gemmy yellow to colorless crystals in the oxidized zones of ore deposits, most famously at the Ojuela Mine in Mexico. Collectors prize it for its high transparency and delicate crystal geometry.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous, pearly on cleavages

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareHopeite Group family

Paradamite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous, pearly on cleavages
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this paradamite?

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 paradamite with a known reference. Paradamite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous, pearly on cleavages.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: light yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Legrandite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 3.5).

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Often found alongside paradamite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Zn₂(AsO₄)(OH)
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.55 g/cm³
Colors: Light yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous, pearly on cleavages
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to tabular crystals
Cleavage: On {010}, perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of some hydrothermal polymetallic base-metal deposits

Where rockhounds find paradamite

Classic worldwide localities

Ojuela mine, Mapimí, Durango, Mexico
Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of some hydrothermal polymetallic base-metal deposits. If you start seeing mimetite, adamite, ojuelaite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paradamite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: vitreous, pearly on cleavages. The streak is white. Common colors include light yellow.

Where is paradamite found?+

Notable localities include Ojuela mine, Mapimí, Durango, Mexico; Tsumeb, Namibia.

Is paradamite safe to handle?+

Paradamite contains arsenic and calls for real care. Contains arsenic, a toxic element; wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens and avoid inhaling dust.

What rocks look like paradamite?+

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

What minerals are found with paradamite?+

Paradamite commonly co-occurs with Mimetite, Adamite, Ojuelaite, Mapimite, Limonite, Köttigite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paradamite form in?+

Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of some hydrothermal polymetallic base-metal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paradamite used for?+

Paradamite is used in collector.

Find paradamite on the map

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