Comparison · Arsenate Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Mimetite vs Phlogopite
Mimetite and Phlogopite are easy to confuse. Mimetite is harder (Mohs 3.75) than Phlogopite (Mohs 2.75), so Mimetite will scratch Phlogopite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Mimetite and Phlogopite
- Mimetite is harder (Mohs 3.75) than Phlogopite (Mohs 2.75), so Mimetite will scratch Phlogopite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
- Mimetite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 7.24 versus 2.8 for Phlogopite).
- They overlap in yellow, brown, and green, but Mimetite also comes in orange and white and Phlogopite also comes in red.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Mimetite is hexagonal, Phlogopite is monoclinic.
Mimetite vs Phlogopite properties
| Property | Mimetite | Phlogopite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Arsenate Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3.75 | 2.75 |
| Luster | resinous | pearly |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 7.24 | 2.8 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | monoclinic |
| Common colors | Yellow, Orange, Yellow-brown, Pale green, White | Brown, Yellow, Tan, Reddish brown, Green |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $15–$600+ | $5–$250+ |
Which is more valuable?
Mimetite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $40 for Phlogopite, and premium Mimetite can reach $600 or more.
About Mimetite
Mimetite is a lead arsenate mineral that forms in the weathered zones of lead ore deposits. It is admired for its rounded botryoidal crusts and barrel-shaped crystals in warm yellow, orange, and brown tones.
About Phlogopite
Phlogopite is a magnesium-rich member of the mica group, recognized by its brown to tan color and perfect basal cleavage that splits into thin, flexible, elastic sheets. It typically forms tabular or pseudohexagonal crystals in marbles and magnesium-rich rocks.
Mimetite vs Phlogopite FAQ
Is Mimetite the same as Phlogopite?
No. Mimetite is a arsenate mineral while Phlogopite is a silicate mineral. Mimetite is harder (Mohs 3.75) than Phlogopite (Mohs 2.75), so Mimetite will scratch Phlogopite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
How can you tell Mimetite from Phlogopite?
Mimetite is harder (Mohs 3.75) than Phlogopite (Mohs 2.75), so Mimetite will scratch Phlogopite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Mimetite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 7.24 versus 2.8 for Phlogopite). They overlap in yellow, brown, and green, but Mimetite also comes in orange and white and Phlogopite also comes in red.
Which is harder, Mimetite or Phlogopite?
Mimetite is harder: Mohs 3.75 against Mohs 2.75 for Phlogopite.
Which is more valuable, Mimetite or Phlogopite?
Mimetite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $40 for Phlogopite, and premium Mimetite can reach $600 or more.
