Comparison · Arsenate Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Mimetite vs Serpentine
Mimetite and Serpentine 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 Serpentine
- Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Mimetite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 7.24 versus 2.6 for Serpentine).
- They overlap in yellow, green, and white, but Mimetite also comes in orange and brown and Serpentine also comes in black.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Mimetite is hexagonal, Serpentine is monoclinic.
Mimetite vs Serpentine properties
| Property | Mimetite | Serpentine |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Arsenate Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3.75 | 3.5 |
| Luster | resinous | greasy |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 7.24 | 2.6 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | monoclinic |
| Common colors | Yellow, Orange, Yellow-brown, Pale green, White | Green, Yellowish green, Olive, Black, White |
| 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 Serpentine, 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 Serpentine
Serpentine is a group of green, magnesium-rich silicate minerals that includes antigorite, lizardite, and chrysotile. It commonly occurs as massive, greasy-feeling rock in mottled green tones and is the main component of the rock serpentinite.
Mimetite vs Serpentine FAQ
Is Mimetite the same as Serpentine?
No. Mimetite is a arsenate mineral while Serpentine is a silicate 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 Serpentine?
Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Mimetite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 7.24 versus 2.6 for Serpentine). They overlap in yellow, green, and white, but Mimetite also comes in orange and brown and Serpentine also comes in black.
Which is harder, Mimetite or Serpentine?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 3.75.
Which is more valuable, Mimetite or Serpentine?
Mimetite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $40 for Serpentine, and premium Mimetite can reach $600 or more.
