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 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pottsite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pottsite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates, earthy crusts.
Often confused with
Pottsite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Pottsite leaves yellow, Vanadinite leaves white; luster reads dull on Pottsite and resinous on Vanadinite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Pottsite leaves yellow, Descloizite leaves orange to brownish-red; luster reads dull on Pottsite and greasy to adamantine 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
- PbBi₄(VO₄)₄·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline Aggregates, Earthy Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find pottsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Potts Prospect, Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where pottsite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, quartz, bismutite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates, earthy crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find pottsite on the map
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