Voudourisite is a rare cadmium sulfate mineral typically found as a secondary mineral in oxidized hydrothermal ore deposits. It most commonly occurs as delicate acicular needles or powdery efflorescences, making it a highly prized and fragile specimen for advanced collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Voudourisite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this voudourisite?

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 voudourisite with a known reference. Voudourisite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Voudourisite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Voudourisite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, efflorescent crusts.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside voudourisite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CdSO₄·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.5 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Efflorescent Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Vein Oxidation Zones
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find voudourisite

Classic worldwide localities

Lavrion District, Attiki, Greece

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal vein oxidation zones country — that is the host setting where voudourisite typically forms. If you start seeing jarosite, gypsum, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, efflorescent crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify voudourisite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow.

Where is voudourisite found?+

Notable localities include Lavrion District, Attiki, Greece.

How much is voudourisite 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 voudourisite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains cadmium, a toxic heavy metal; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like voudourisite?+

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

What minerals are found with voudourisite?+

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

What kind of rock does voudourisite form in?+

Voudourisite typically forms in hydrothermal vein oxidation zones. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is voudourisite used for?+

Voudourisite is used in collector.

Find voudourisite on the map

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