Pauladamsite is a rare lead-copper selenite mineral that occurs as delicate, pale green platy crystals. It is primarily found within the oxidized zones of selenium-rich deposits, typically associated with other secondary minerals like anglesite and cerussite.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous to silky

Streak

Pale green

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Pauladamsite

Hardness: ~2
Luster: Vitreous to silky
Streak: Pale green
Transparency: Transparent

Is this pauladamsite?

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 pauladamsite with a known reference. Pauladamsite sits at Mohs ~2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale green.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to silky.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Malachite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Malachite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. ~2); luster reads vitreous to silky on Pauladamsite and adamantine to vitreous; silky if fibrous; dull to earthy if massive on Malachite.

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Often found alongside pauladamsite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄(SeO₃)(SO₄)(OH)₄(H₂O)₂
Mohs hardness: ~2
Density: 3.535 g/cm³
Colors: Green
Streak: Pale green
Luster: Vitreous to silky
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy crystals
Cleavage: Perfect on {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In the oxidation-zone of a polymetallic hydrothermal sulfide deposit

Where rockhounds find pauladamsite

Classic worldwide localities

Santa Rosa mine, Darwin district, Inyo County, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In the oxidation-zone of a polymetallic hydrothermal sulfide deposit. If you start seeing brochantite, chalcanthite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify pauladamsite?+

Mohs hardness is ~2. Luster: vitreous to silky. The streak is pale green. Common colors include green.

Where is pauladamsite found?+

Notable localities include Santa Rosa mine, Darwin district, Inyo County, California, USA.

Is pauladamsite safe to handle?+

Pauladamsite contains copper and selenium. Contains lead and selenium. Handle with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like pauladamsite?+

Pauladamsite is most often confused with Malachite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with pauladamsite?+

Pauladamsite commonly co-occurs with Brochantite, Chalcanthite, Gypsum, Ktenasite, Mimetite, Schulenbergite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pauladamsite form in?+

Where it forms: In the oxidation-zone of a polymetallic hydrothermal sulfide deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is pauladamsite used for?+

Pauladamsite is used in collector.

Find pauladamsite on the map

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