Paralammerite is a rare secondary mineral typically found in the oxidation zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal deposits. It is recognized by its distinct yellow, platy crystal morphology and is often associated with other rare arsenate minerals like its parent-like species lammerite.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Paralammerite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this paralammerite?

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 paralammerite with a known reference. Paralammerite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Paralammerite leaves yellow, Mimetite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Paralammerite and resinous to subadamantine on Mimetite.

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Often found alongside paralammerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₃(AsO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.88 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy crystals, granular aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: oxidized hydrothermal zones

Where rockhounds find paralammerite

Classic worldwide localities

Gold Hill mine, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: oxidized hydrothermal zones. If you start seeing lammerite, austinite, conichalcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paralammerite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is paralammerite found?+

Notable localities include Gold Hill mine, Utah, USA.

Is paralammerite safe to handle?+

Paralammerite contains arsenic and copper and calls for real care. Contains arsenic and lead; handle with caution, avoid inhaling dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like paralammerite?+

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

What minerals are found with paralammerite?+

Paralammerite commonly co-occurs with Lammerite, Austinite, Conichalcite, Goethite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paralammerite form in?+

Where it forms: oxidized hydrothermal zones. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paralammerite used for?+

Paralammerite is used in collector.

Find paralammerite on the map

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