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

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Pauladamsite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
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 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pauladamsite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Pauladamsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale green, light green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. 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. 2.5); streak differs — Pauladamsite leaves white, Malachite leaves light green.

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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: Pb₄Cu(SeO₃)₂(OH)₈
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 3.58 g/cm³
Colors: Pale Green Light Green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Selenium-rich Base Metal Deposits
Typical price: $200-800 per specimen

Where rockhounds find pauladamsite

Classic worldwide localities

Bingham Pit, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal selenium-rich base metal deposits country — that is the host setting where pauladamsite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, penroseite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify pauladamsite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pale green, light green.

Where is pauladamsite found?+

Notable localities include Bingham Pit, Oquirrh Mountains, Utah, USA.

How much is pauladamsite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-800 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is pauladamsite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and selenium. Handle with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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 Clausthalite, Penroseite, Anglesite, Cerussite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pauladamsite form in?+

Pauladamsite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal selenium-rich base metal deposits. 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.