Vanackerite is a rare lead-arsenic vanadate member of the apatite group. It typically appears as yellowish, prismatic crystals found in the oxidized zones of lead-bearing hydrothermal ore deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareApatite Group family

Vanackerite

Vanackerite is a rare lead-arsenic vanadate member of the apatite group. It typically appears as yellowish, prismatic crystals found in the oxidized zones of lead-bearing hydrothermal ore deposits.

Hardness: ~4
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this vanackerite?

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 vanackerite with a known reference. Vanackerite sits at Mohs ~4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mimetite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Vanackerite and resinous to subadamantine on Mimetite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Vanackerite and resinous to subadamantine on Pyromorphite.

Compare →

Often found alongside vanackerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₄Cd(AsO₄)₃Cl
Mohs hardness: ~4
Density: 7.28 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow Orange
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystals
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a dolostone-hosted, polymetallic, hydrothermal ore deposit

Where rockhounds find vanackerite

Classic worldwide localities

Mibladen, Morocco

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a dolostone-hosted, polymetallic, hydrothermal ore deposit. If you start seeing thometzekite, anglesite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vanackerite?+

Mohs hardness is ~4. Luster: adamantine. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow, orange.

Where is vanackerite found?+

Notable localities include Mibladen, Morocco.

Is vanackerite safe to handle?+

Vanackerite contains arsenic, cadmium and lead and calls for real care. Contains lead and arsenic; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest dust or inhale powder.

What rocks look like vanackerite?+

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

What minerals are found with vanackerite?+

Vanackerite commonly co-occurs with Thometzekite, Anglesite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vanackerite form in?+

Where it forms: A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a dolostone-hosted, polymetallic, hydrothermal ore deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vanackerite used for?+

Vanackerite is used in collector.

Find vanackerite on the map

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