Guide
Descloizite specimens for sale
50 for sale · $50–$15,000 USD
183 in the gallery
Descloizite is a lead zinc vanadate hydroxide mineral that forms prismatic to tabular crystals, often with a resinous to adamantine lustre. Crystals can exhibit rich colors ranging from olive-yellow to brownish-yellow, and may occur in zoned aggregates or solo prisms set against contrasting matrix. The mineral commonly forms in secondary hydrothermal veins and near oxidized zones, with notable crystalline habits that reward careful cleaning and display.
- Formula
- PbZn(VO4)(OH)
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Moderately Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
- Classification notes
- Vanadate; adelite-descloizite group
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- orthorhombic
- Mohs hardness
- 3–3.5
- Specific gravity
- 6.18–6.22
- Luster
- vitreous, resinous, greasy
- Transparency
- translucent, opaque
- Color
- brown, red, orange, yellow, green, black
- Streak
- yellow, orange, brown
- Cleavage
- none
- Fracture
- conchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, pyramidal, tabular, druzy, granular, massive
- Classic / historic
Buy Descloizite specimens
View all 50Where Descloizite is found
Top localities
- Berg Aukas Mine22 specimens
- Erupción Mine7 specimens
- Aurora mine4 specimens
- Apache Mine3 specimens
- Ahumada Mine2 specimens
- Aurora Mine2 specimens
- Los Lamentos Mts2 specimens
- Ajax Mine1 specimen
- Anarak District1 specimen
- Bustillos mine1 specimen
Guides
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About Descloizite
Significant specimens come from Namibia, Portugal, the USA, Mexico and Iran, among other locales. Classic localities include the Zechstein and scattered carbonate veins where Descloizite crystals populate matrix-rich pockets, sometimes displaying attractive parallel growth or twinned forms. High-quality material showcases vibrant color and crisp termination, making aesthetically compelling assemblages for collectors who appreciate horn-like luster and mineral diversity.
Collectors value Descloizite for its combination of color, crystal form, and locality association. The mineral’s varied habit and historically important collecting sites enhance its appeal as a specimen for cabinet displays and reference collections alike, offering a tangible link to hydrothermal processes and ore-oreite environments.
