Plimerite is a rare zinc-bearing phosphate mineral typically found as small, vibrant yellow to green radial clusters in oxidized ore deposits. It is best identified through micro-analysis as it strongly resembles other members of the dufrénite group. Collectors prize it for its association with secondary minerals in classic mining districts like Broken Hill.
Is this plimerite?
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 plimerite with a known reference. Plimerite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Plimerite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Plimerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: radial aggregates, drusy crusts, small prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Plimerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside plimerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with plimerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnFe³⁺₄(PO₄)₃(OH)₅
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 3.61 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Radial Aggregates, Drusy Crusts, Small Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc-silver Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find plimerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
- Cornwall, England
- Portugal
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc-silver deposits country — that is the host setting where plimerite typically forms. If you start seeing pyromorphite, goethite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a radial aggregates, drusy crusts, small prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find plimerite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
