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

mineralrare

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, 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.