Joëlbruggerite is a rare tellurate mineral typically found as delicate, needle-like crystals in oxidized ore deposits. It is best identified by its vibrant yellowish-green color and radial habit, often requiring magnification for accurate field identification.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareMixite Group family

Joëlbruggerite

Hardness: ~3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this joëlbruggerite?

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 joëlbruggerite with a known reference. Joëlbruggerite sits at Mohs ~3, 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: bluish purple, grayish purple.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mixite

Mohs 3-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Joëlbruggerite leaves white, Mixite leaves pale bluish green; luster reads adamantine on Joëlbruggerite and vitreous, silky in aggregates on Mixite.

Compare →

Often found alongside joëlbruggerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃Zn₃SbAs₂O₁₃(OH)
Mohs hardness: ~3
Density: 6.73 g/cm³
Colors: Bluish purpleGrayish purple
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Acicular crystals, radiating sprays
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A secondary mineral from the oxidation of a silver-bearing tetrahedrite, hübnerite, and pyrite deposit

Where rockhounds find joëlbruggerite

Classic worldwide localities

Black Pine mine, 14.5 km northwest of Philipsburg, Granite County, Montana, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary mineral from the oxidation of a silver-bearing tetrahedrite, hübnerite, and pyrite deposit. If you start seeing mimetite, malachite, azurite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify joëlbruggerite?+

Mohs hardness is ~3. Luster: adamantine. The streak is white. Common colors include bluish purple, grayish purple.

Where is joëlbruggerite found?+

Notable localities include Black Pine mine, 14.5 km northwest of Philipsburg, Granite County, Montana, USA.

Is joëlbruggerite safe to handle?+

Joëlbruggerite contains antimony, arsenic and lead and calls for real care. Contains lead and arsenic; wash hands after handling and avoid inhaling dust.

What rocks look like joëlbruggerite?+

Joëlbruggerite is most often confused with Mixite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with joëlbruggerite?+

Joëlbruggerite commonly co-occurs with Mimetite, Malachite, Azurite, Pseudomalachite, Chalcocite, Beudantite-corkite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does joëlbruggerite form in?+

Where it forms: A secondary mineral from the oxidation of a silver-bearing tetrahedrite, hübnerite, and pyrite deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is joëlbruggerite used for?+

Joëlbruggerite is used in collector.

Find joëlbruggerite on the map

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