Plumboagardite is a rare secondary mineral found in the oxidized zones of copper-lead deposits. It typically forms as small, attractive emerald-green crystalline crusts or distinct, tiny rhombohedral crystals, most famously from the Tsumeb mine.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Greenish

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBeudantite Group family

Plumboagardite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Greenish
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this plumboagardite?

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 plumboagardite with a known reference. Plumboagardite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Plumboagardite leaves a greenish streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Plumboagardite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: emerald-green, yellowish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, crusts, tabular.

Often confused with

Plumboagardite 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 Plumboagardite leaves greenish, Mixite leaves pale bluish green.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Plumboagardite leaves greenish, Corkite leaves yellow.

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Often found alongside plumboagardite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbCuAl₆(AsO₄)₂(OH)₁₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.47 g/cm³
Colors: Emerald-green Yellowish-green
Streak: Greenish
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals, Crusts, Tabular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-copper Deposits

Where rockhounds find plumboagardite

Classic worldwide localities

Found in an abandoned mine, Aitern-Sd, near Schnau in the Southern Black Forest, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-copper deposits country, the host setting where plumboagardite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, malachite, duftite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, crusts, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify plumboagardite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is greenish. Common colors include emerald-green, yellowish-green.

Where is plumboagardite found?+

Notable localities include Found in an abandoned mine, Aitern-Sd, near Schnau in the Southern Black Forest, Germany.

Is plumboagardite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and lead; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not inhale dust or allow to be ingested. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like plumboagardite?+

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

What minerals are found with plumboagardite?+

Plumboagardite commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Malachite, Duftite, Tsumcorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does plumboagardite form in?+

Plumboagardite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal lead-copper deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is plumboagardite used for?+

Plumboagardite is used in collector.

Find plumboagardite on the map

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