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

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareHopeite Group family

Paradamite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
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. Paradamite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Paradamite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, colorless, white.
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).

Compare →

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: 3.36 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Base Metal Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on crystal size and clarity

Where rockhounds find paradamite

Classic worldwide localities

Mapimi, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base metal deposits country — that is the host setting where paradamite typically forms. If you start seeing adamite, smithsonite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paradamite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, colorless, white.

Where is paradamite found?+

Notable localities include Mapimi, Mexico.

How much is paradamite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on crystal size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is paradamite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, a toxic element; wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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 Adamite, Smithsonite, Goethite, Hemimorphite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paradamite form in?+

Paradamite typically forms in oxidized zones of hydrothermal 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.