Eddavidite is a rare copper lead oxide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2018. It was first described from Southwest Mine, Bisbee, Warren District, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareCrichtonite Group family

Eddavidite

Eddavidite is a rare copper lead oxide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2018. It was first described from Southwest Mine, Bisbee, Warren District, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA.

Hardness: 6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this eddavidite?

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 eddavidite with a known reference. Eddavidite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Eddavidite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Eddavidite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Crichtonite

Mohs 5-6

How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Eddavidite and metallic to dull on Crichtonite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Eddavidite leaves black, Mathiasite leaves brownish black.

Compare →

Often found alongside eddavidite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₁₂Pb₂O₁₅Br₂
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 4.7-4.8 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins

Where rockhounds find eddavidite

Classic worldwide localities

Ediacara Silver Mine, South Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where eddavidite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, quartz, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground.

Common questions

How do you identify eddavidite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black.

Where is eddavidite found?+

Notable localities include Ediacara Silver Mine, South Australia.

Is eddavidite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like eddavidite?+

Eddavidite is most often confused with Crichtonite, Lindsleyite, Mathiasite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with eddavidite?+

Eddavidite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Quartz, Cerussite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does eddavidite form in?+

Eddavidite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is eddavidite used for?+

Eddavidite is used in collector.

Find eddavidite on the map

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