Schmidite is an extremely rare secondary sulfate mineral occurring in the oxidized zones of metal-rich deposits like those found in Tsumeb. It typically presents as small, yellow, resinous crusts or granular aggregates, often closely associated with other secondary minerals such as smithsonite and mimetite.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Schmidite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Resinous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this schmidite?

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 schmidite with a known reference. Schmidite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Schmidite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Schmidite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: crusts, aggregates of tiny crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Jarosite

Mohs 2.5-3.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads resinous on Schmidite and vitreous on Jarosite.

Compare →

Often found alongside schmidite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Zn,Fe,Pb)₄(SO₄)(OH,O)₆·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Crusts, Aggregates of Tiny Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Base-metal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find schmidite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base-metal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where schmidite typically forms. If you start seeing smithsonite, willemite, duftite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, aggregates of tiny crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify schmidite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is schmidite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

How much is schmidite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is schmidite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead (Pb) and zinc; avoid inhalation of dust, wash hands thoroughly after handling, and store in a sealed container. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like schmidite?+

Schmidite is most often confused with Jarosite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with schmidite?+

Schmidite commonly co-occurs with smithsonite, willemite, duftite, mimetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does schmidite form in?+

Schmidite typically forms in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base-metal ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is schmidite used for?+

Schmidite is used in collector.

Find schmidite on the map

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