Tsumebite is a striking secondary phosphate mineral primarily known from the type locality at the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia. It typically forms attractive bright green, tabular, wedge-shaped crystals and is highly sought after by collectors of rare lead-copper species.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Green

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Tsumebite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Green
Transparency: Translucent

Is this tsumebite?

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 tsumebite with a known reference. Tsumebite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tsumebite leaves a pale green streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tsumebite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, emerald-green, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, wedge-shaped crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Malachite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tsumebite leaves pale green, Malachite leaves light green.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tsumebite leaves pale green, Vauquelinite leaves greenish-yellow; luster reads vitreous on Tsumebite and resinous to adamantine on Vauquelinite.

Often found alongside tsumebite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂Cu(PO₄)(SO₄)(OH)
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 6.1 g/cm³
Colors: Green Emerald-green Yellow-green
Streak: Pale Green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Wedge-shaped Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Base-metal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on crystal size and clarity

Where rockhounds find tsumebite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Broken Hill, Australia
Lachaux, France
Mapimi, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify tsumebite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale green. Common colors include green, emerald-green, yellow-green.

Where is tsumebite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia; Broken Hill, Australia; Lachaux, France; Mapimi, Mexico.

How much is tsumebite worth?+

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

Is tsumebite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and copper. Avoid inhaling dust or powder, and wash hands thoroughly after handling to prevent ingestion of toxic heavy metals. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like tsumebite?+

Tsumebite is most often confused with Malachite, Vauquelinite, Libethenite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with tsumebite?+

Tsumebite commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Malachite, Smithsonite, Anglesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tsumebite form in?+

Tsumebite 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 tsumebite used for?+

Tsumebite is used in collector.

Find tsumebite on the map

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