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.
Is this paralammerite?
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 paralammerite with a known reference. Paralammerite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paralammerite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paralammerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. 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 — Paralammerite leaves yellow, Lammerite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paralammerite leaves yellow, Mimetite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Paralammerite and adamantine on Mimetite.
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
- Pb₂Cu₄(AsO₄)₄(OH)₄·7H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.88 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Zones
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find paralammerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Gold Hill mine, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal zones country — that is the host setting where paralammerite typically forms. If you start seeing lammerite, austinite, conichalcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find paralammerite on the map
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