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

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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).

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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, 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.