Comparison · Arsenate Minerals vs Phosphate Minerals
Mimetite vs Pyromorphite
Mimetite and Pyromorphite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Mimetite and Pyromorphite
- Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- They overlap in yellow, orange, brown, and green, but Mimetite also comes in white.
Mimetite vs Pyromorphite properties
| Property | Mimetite | Pyromorphite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Arsenate Minerals | Phosphate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3.75 | 3.75 |
| Luster | resinous | resinous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 7.24 | 7 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Yellow, Orange, Yellow-brown, Pale green, White | Green, Yellow-green, Yellow, Brown, Orange |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $15–$600+ | $15–$600+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Mimetite and Pyromorphite trade in a similar range, around $90.
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 Pyromorphite
Pyromorphite is a lead phosphate mineral prized for its bright green to yellow-green color and barrel-shaped hexagonal crystals. It is dense, has a resinous luster, and forms in the weathered upper zones of lead deposits.
Mimetite vs Pyromorphite FAQ
Is Mimetite the same as Pyromorphite?
No. Mimetite is a arsenate mineral while Pyromorphite is a phosphate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Mimetite from Pyromorphite?
Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. They overlap in yellow, orange, brown, and green, but Mimetite also comes in white.
Which is harder, Mimetite or Pyromorphite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 3.75.
Which is more valuable, Mimetite or Pyromorphite?
Typical specimens of Mimetite and Pyromorphite trade in a similar range, around $90.
