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Descloizite
Descloizite is vanadates, PbZn(VO4)(OH). In the hand, it rates 3 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs brownish red and blackish brown. Very heavy brown-black to cherry crystal crusts and fern-like aggregates with greasy luster and orange streak, classic from Namibian vanadium mines.
The geology.
Descloizite carries the formula PbZn(VO4)(OH). It belongs to the orthorhombic system. The trade files it under vanadates.
It sits at 3 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads greasy to vitreous. Light behavior is translucent to opaque. Specific gravity runs 6.1 to 6.2. The streak is orange to brownish red. It breaks with no cleavage; uneven to conchoidal fracture.
Very heavy brown-black to cherry crystal crusts and fern-like aggregates with greasy luster and orange streak, classic from Namibian vanadium mines.
Common cuts are plumose and arborescent crystal groups, drusy crusts or stalactitic forms.
The origins.
Oxidized lead-zinc-vanadium deposits: Berg Aukas and Abenab (Namibia, world classics), Arizona and New Mexico (USA), Mexico, Argentina.
On value, the database notes: collector mineral; lustrous Berg Aukas groups are sought after.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with stamina and committing to practical goals.
Included for completeness. Tradition is worth knowing about, and it is worth keeping separate from the mineralogy.
Spotting the real thing.
Very heavy brown-black to cherry crystal crusts and fern-like aggregates with greasy luster and orange streak, classic from Namibian vanadium mines.
Not faked; mislabeled mottramite is the usual mix-up.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Vanadinite | Vanadinite forms bright orange-red hexagonal barrels; descloizite is darker plumose crusts |
| Mottramite | Mottramite is the copper-dominant green sibling; descloizite runs brown-red (zinc-dominant) |
| Goethite crust | Goethite streaks yellow-brown and is lighter (SG 4.3) than descloizite's 6+ |
At-home tests.
These checks cost nothing. Daylight, a 10x loupe and a little patience are the whole kit for descloizite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By weight | Remarkable heft (SG over 6) |
| By eye | Orange-brown streak |
| Scratch check | Soft, a copper coin scratches it |
Anything that scratches, burns or dissolves the piece is a lab job. Get it appraised rather than testing it apart.
Care & handling.
At 3 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale this is a soft material. Keep it as a display piece, store it apart from harder stones, and skip daily-wear settings.
It breaks with no cleavage; uneven to conchoidal fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Warm water and a soft cloth clean almost everything. Ultrasonic tanks, steamers and household cleaners are where pieces get ruined.
Contains lead and vanadium: wash hands after handling, keep away from children, no elixirs.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is PbZn(VO4)(OH). Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Specific gravity: 6.1 to 6.2. Streak: Orange to brownish red. Cleavage and fracture: No cleavage; uneven to conchoidal fracture.
How it reaches the market
Oxidized lead-zinc-vanadium deposits: Berg Aukas and Abenab (Namibia, world classics), Arizona and New Mexico (USA), Mexico, Argentina.
What it gets confused with
Vanadinite: Vanadinite forms bright orange-red hexagonal barrels; descloizite is darker plumose crusts. Mottramite: Mottramite is the copper-dominant green sibling; descloizite runs brown-red (zinc-dominant). Goethite crust: Goethite streaks yellow-brown and is lighter (SG 4.3) than descloizite's 6+.
What it is worth
Collector mineral; lustrous Berg Aukas groups are sought after.
Where buyers get caught
Not faked; mislabeled mottramite is the usual mix-up.
One more thing
Namibia's descloizite ores were once mined as a strategic vanadium source for hardening steel, leftover crystal pockets now feed the specimen market.
An education-first guide.
No product links here. We do not sell descloizite, and a guide that only covers our own shelves would not be much of a guide.
Explore the Crystal GuideLove Descloizite? Meet Garnet.
Descloizite is not something we carry. Garnet is the closest match in color, and every piece passes our sourcing standards: origin named, treatments disclosed.
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