Prosperite is a very rare secondary arsenate mineral that typically forms thin, transparent to translucent platy crystals. It is most famously associated with the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia, occurring in oxidized lead-zinc ore zones alongside other rare species.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Prosperite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this prosperite?

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 prosperite with a known reference. Prosperite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Prosperite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Prosperite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Legrandite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 3.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside prosperite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaZn₂(AsO₄)₂(OH)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.92 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Polymetallic Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find prosperite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Ojuela Mine, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits country — that is the host setting where prosperite typically forms. If you start seeing adamite, legrandite, smithsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify prosperite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is prosperite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia; Ojuela Mine, Mexico.

How much is prosperite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is prosperite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, a toxic element. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like prosperite?+

Prosperite is most often confused with Adamite, Legrandite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with prosperite?+

Prosperite commonly co-occurs with Adamite, Legrandite, Smithsonite, Tsumcorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does prosperite form in?+

Prosperite typically forms in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is prosperite used for?+

Prosperite is used in collector.

Find prosperite on the map

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