Overview

Mimetite is a lead arsenate chloride, Pb5(AsO4)3Cl, a member of the apatite supergroup and part of the “pyromorphite–mimetite–vanadinite” solid-solution series. It is beloved by collectors for its joyful palette—canary yellow, honey, orange, and occasionally greenish hues—paired with diverse habits: sharp hexagonal prisms, classic barrel-shaped “campylite” crystals, acicular “pom-pom” sprays, botryoidal coatings, and drusy carpets. Luster ranges from resinous to adamantine, often with a wet, glowing look that makes even small pieces pop in the case.

Crystals commonly occur in the oxidized zones of lead deposits, associated with wulfenite, cerussite, smithsonite, vanadinite, pyromorphite, anglesite, calcite, and limonite. The best examples rank among the most cheerful display minerals: vivid sprays from Morocco, bright orange prisms from Mexico, lustrous gemmy crystals from Tsumeb, and historic campylite from England. Hardness is modest (3.5–4), and the species is brittle; careful handling is essential. Because it contains lead and arsenic, sensible hygiene is advised.

Pricing spans widely: fine thumbnails from classic localities can be affordable, while museum-level cabinet pieces with top color and form from Tsumeb, Ojuela, or Tiger (Mammoth) can command strong five figures. A bonus for collectors: the species is wonderfully varied—assembling a suite that shows multiple habits, colors, and key localities is both feasible and highly rewarding.

Popularity

Mimetite has been a collector favorite since the 19th century. English “campylite” from the Caldbeck Fells introduced the habit of curved barrel crystals and became a Victorian classic. Later, Tiger, Arizona gained fame for sharply formed barrel prisms with rich yellow-orange color, a benchmark for the species in North America. Twentieth-century production at Tsumeb in Namibia elevated mimetite to “super-classic” status, with lustrous, gemmy crystals and exquisite associations. Moroccan discoveries at Touissit added aesthetic sprays and sculptural clusters, while Mexico’s Ojuela Mine continues to deliver vibrant orange crystals on brown iron oxide matrix with huge contrast.

Interest remains strong because mimetite combines:

• Saturated color that displays even in ambient light
• Diverse crystallization styles (barrels, sprays, botryoids)
• Historic and modern classics across multiple continents
• Attractive associations (wulfenite, smithsonite, calcite) Even micro-mounts can be exceptional, while larger, undamaged matrix pieces from the great localities are coveted centerpieces.

Top Collecting Localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Tsumeb is the gold standard for mimetite. The best pieces show luminous honey-yellow to orange crystals, often gemmy with glassy luster, perched on dolomite, calcite, or sulfide matrix. Habits range from sharp hexagonal prisms to lustrous rounded barrels and drusy coatings. The contrast and clarity are superb—many crystals glow with backlight. Tsumeb also produced unusual associations (e.g., with smithsonite or wulfenite) and attractive, balanced compositions that display from multiple angles. Production ended decades ago, so top examples carry historic prestige and scarcity premiums.

Ojuela Mine, Mexico

Ojuela (Mapimí, Durango) is a modern workhorse for vibrant orange mimetite on chocolate-brown limonite. Crystals are typically sharp, lustrous, and richly colored, from micro-drusy to robust prisms, often forming striking, evenly distributed carpets or radiating clusters. Aesthetics are driven by color and contrast: orange on dark iron oxide matrix is a show-stopper under LED lighting. While most pieces are not gem-clear like Tsumeb, the brightness and composition are outstanding, and good specimens are widely appreciated and more affordable than comparable classics.

Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine, Arizona, USA

Tiger is the classic US locality for mimetite, famed for thick, barrel-shaped crystals with rich yellow to orange color and a highly desirable resinous luster. Many occur with wulfenite or on limonitic matrix, creating historically important American showpieces. The crystals are often robust and well-terminated, making Tiger material a benchmark for the barrel habit. Production is long past; pristine, unrepaired, well-composed pieces are scarce and heavily collected.

Dry Gill Mine, Caldbeck Fells, England

Dry Gill is the historic source of “campylite,” a rounded, barrel-like habit of mimetite sometimes showing gently curved faces. Colors range from warm honey and ochre to orange-brown, often as thick, lustrous crystals nestled in vuggy matrix. These specimens are quintessential old-European classics—sought for pedigree, distinctive habit, and their role in the species’ collecting history. Fine thumbnails and small cabinets are prized, especially with multiple complete barrels and minimal peripheral damage.

Collector’s Guide

Evaluating Specimen Quality

• Color and Saturation:

  • Most valued hues are saturated canary yellow to glowing orange. Honey tones are also appealing, especially when lustrous.
  • Strong, even color that reads well in ambient light is ideal; pieces that only “light up” with intense backlighting are less impactful on the shelf.
  • Touissit sprays and Ojuela oranges can be electric; Tsumeb often shows gemmy depth and glow.

• Crystal Habit and Form:

  • Barrel-shaped crystals (campylite habit) from Tiger and the Caldbeck Fells are benchmarks; look for complete terminations and symmetry.
  • Acicular sprays and hedgehog balls (Morocco) should be dense, radiating, and as undamaged as possible.
  • Sharp hexagonal prisms from Tsumeb and Ojuela with mirror-lustrous faces and crisp edges elevate a piece.
  • Botryoidal crusts can be highly aesthetic if lustrous, richly colored, and well-composed on matrix.

• Luster and Clarity:

  • Resinous to adamantine luster is a major value driver—fresh, gleaming surfaces outperform dull or etched ones.
  • Tsumeb crystals sometimes show partial translucency to gemminess, adding depth; most other locales emphasize luster over transparency.

• Size and Aesthetics:

  • Balanced composition on contrasting matrix (e.g., orange mimetite on dark limonite or white calcite) greatly enhances appeal.
  • For sprays, a well-formed, undamaged sphere or cluster is key; for barrels, isolated, prominent crystals with good spacing display best.
  • Overall symmetry, depth, and a defined “front” presentation make for superior display.

• Condition:

  • Mimetite is brittle, and acicular crystals are easily bruised; inspect terminations and spray tips for micro-chipping.
  • Ojuela’s limonite matrix can be friable; look for stable, solid bases and responsibly prepared pieces.
  • Minor, well-hidden contact points are acceptable; obvious bruises on main crystals are major detractions.

• Provenance:

  • Historic sources (Tiger, Dry Gill, Tsumeb) carry strong provenance premiums. Original labels or documented pocket sources add confidence and value.

Detecting Repairs or Treatments

• Repairs:

  • Reattachments are common where crystals or friable matrix broke during extraction. Use a 10x loupe to look for thin glue lines along crystal bases or clean, straight fracture seams; some epoxies fluoresce under LW UV.
  • Ojuela pieces on iron oxide may be stabilized with dilute adhesives; stabilization is often acceptable if disclosed and cleanly executed.

• Treatments:

  • Color treatments are rare for collector specimens. Avoid overly glossy, “polished” terminations—true mimetite faces often show fine growth textures.
  • Be cautious of species misidentification within the pyromorphite–mimetite–vanadinite series; advanced testing (Raman/EDS) may be needed for borderline cases.

Care and Storage

• Safety:

  • Contains lead and arsenic. Handle with care, wash hands after handling, avoid touching your face, and keep away from food preparation areas. Do not grind, cut, or otherwise create dust. Display under glass if possible and keep out of reach of children and pets.

• Handling and Display:

  • Support matrix, not delicate crystals. For spray specimens, avoid any direct pressure on the acicular tufts.
  • Use small dabs of museum putty or custom stands to prevent shifting in display cases, especially in vibration-prone areas.

• Light and Temperature:

  • Colors are generally stable in normal lighting. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight or heat sources, which can dry out stabilized matrices or soften adhesives.
  • Maintain a stable, moderate environment; thermal shocks can propagate micro-fractures in brittle clusters.

• Cleaning:

  • Dust gently with a soft brush or air bulb. If needed, a quick rinse in room-temperature water with a drop of mild dish soap can remove grime—avoid soaking pieces with friable iron oxide matrix (Ojuela) or delicate sprays.
  • Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Avoid acids and harsh chemicals which can attack matrix or alter surfaces.
  • After any cleaning, dry thoroughly and allow adhesives (if present) to re-harden before moving.

• Storage:

  • Individual padded boxes or well-separated drawer compartments prevent abrasion. Keep away from harder species that could scratch softer mimetite (and vice versa—mimetite can shed crumbs).
  • Label thoroughly—locality and historical provenance are an integral part of a mimetite specimen’s value.

With thoughtful selection and careful care, mimetite offers one of the most joyful color-and-form combinations in mineral collecting—from historic English campylite and American Tiger barrels to the glowing oranges of Tsumeb and Ojuela, and the exuberant Moroccan sprays.