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, so Paralammerite leaves yellow, Lammerite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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