Wayneburnhamite is a rare lead calcium arsenate-phosphate mineral known almost exclusively from the Ojuela Mine. It typically forms thin, colorless to white tabular crystals occurring alongside other secondary lead minerals in oxidized ore zones.
Is this wayneburnhamite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch wayneburnhamite with a known reference. Wayneburnhamite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wayneburnhamite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Wayneburnhamite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Wayneburnhamite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Wayneburnhamite and adamantine on Mimetite.
How to tell apart: Wayneburnhamite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); luster reads vitreous on Wayneburnhamite and adamantine on Leadhillite.
Often found alongside wayneburnhamite
Minerals reported to co-occur with wayneburnhamite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₄Ca(AsO₃)(AsO₄)(PO₄)
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.02 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Vein Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find wayneburnhamite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ojuela Mine, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal vein deposits country — that is the host setting where wayneburnhamite typically forms. If you start seeing mimetite, adamite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find wayneburnhamite on the map
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