Pottsite is a very rare lead bismuth vanadate mineral typically found as earthy or microcrystalline crusts in oxidized zones of ore deposits. It is primarily known from the Potts Prospect in Arizona, where it occurs alongside other lead and bismuth-bearing minerals. Its distinct yellow to yellow-brown color and rarity make it a highly sought-after species for advanced mineral collectors.
Is this pottsite?
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 pottsite with a known reference. Pottsite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: very pale yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bright yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic, pyramidal.
Often confused with
Pottsite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Pottsite leaves very pale yellow, Vanadinite leaves white to pale red or pale yellow; luster reads adamantine on Pottsite and subresinous to subadamantine on Vanadinite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Pottsite leaves very pale yellow, Descloizite leaves orange to brownish red; luster reads adamantine on Pottsite and greasy on Descloizite.
Often found alongside pottsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pottsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Pb₃Bi)Bi(VO₄)₄·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 7 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Very pale yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic, pyramidal
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Found in the oxidation zone of a tungsten-bearing tactite
Where rockhounds find pottsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Found at the Linka mine, Spencer Hot Springs district, Lander Co., about 30 km northwest of Potts, and northeast of Chalk Mountain, Clan Alpine Mountains, Churchill Co., Nevada, USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Found in the oxidation zone of a tungsten-bearing tactite. If you start seeing scheelite, junoite, bismutite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, pyramidal. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pottsite?+
Where is pottsite found?+
Is pottsite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like pottsite?+
What minerals are found with pottsite?+
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Find pottsite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
