RocksdayMimetite vs Pyromorphite
How to tell them apart
A lead arsenate forming yellow-orange hexagonal barrels or rounded 'campylite' crystals.
Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0
A lead phosphate forming bright green hexagonal barrels.
Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0
Key differences
- Pyromorphite is usually green.
- Mimetite is usually yellow-orange.
Side by side
| Property | Mimetite | Pyromorphite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 3.5–4 | 3.5–4 |
| Luster | Resinous to adamantine | Resinous to adamantine |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Yellow, Orange, Brown | Green, Yellow, Brown |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal | Hexagonal |
| Specific gravity | 7.1–7.2 | 6.5–7.1 |
| Formula | Pb₅(AsO₄)₃Cl | Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl |
| Found in | Tsumeb, Namibia; Guangxi, China | Bunker Hill mine, Idaho; Les Farges, France |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify mimetite
- Yellow-orange six-sided barrels.
- Very heavy.
- Resinous luster.
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Full Mimetite guide →How to identify pyromorphite
- Grass-green to olive hexagonal prisms, often hollow-ended.
- Very heavy.
- Resinous luster.
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Full Pyromorphite guide →More comparisons
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
Play today's Rocksday