The facts
What mimetite actually is
The species behind mimetite is apatite supergroup, Pb₅(AsO₄)₃Cl; it forms in the hexagonal system.
Traces of Cr and V; typically honey-yellow to orange, occasionally green is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 2.128–2.147 and a specific gravity of about 7.1–7.3, with imperfect {1011} cleavage.
Where mimetite comes from
Commercial material comes from Tsumeb, Namibia, San Pedro Corralitos, Chihuahua, Mexico (botryoidal orange), Dry Gill, Caldbeck Fells, Cumbria, England (campylite) and Rowley Mine, Arizona, USA.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How mimetite is treated
Untreated. Forms a complete series with pyromorphite and is visually near-identical — the distinction is arsenate versus phosphate and needs analysis. Contains both lead and arsenic; wash hands after handling.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What mimetite is confused with
Watch for Pyromorphite, Vanadinite, Wulfenite and Orange calcite — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 2.128–2.147 and specific gravity 7.1–7.3 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What mimetite is used for
The trades that buy mimetite are mineral collecting. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen.
Durability and care
Mimetite is 3.5–4 on the Mohs scale, with imperfect {1011} cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What mimetite costs
Expect roughly Specimens $40–$5,000; fine San Pedro botryoidal pieces $150–$2,000, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is mimetite treated, and how?
Untreated. Forms a complete series with pyromorphite and is visually near-identical — the distinction is arsenate versus phosphate and needs analysis. Contains both lead and arsenic; wash hands after handling.
Where does mimetite come from?
Tsumeb, Namibia, San Pedro Corralitos, Chihuahua, Mexico (botryoidal orange), Dry Gill, Caldbeck Fells, Cumbria, England (campylite) and Rowley Mine, Arizona, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is mimetite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3.5–4 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does mimetite cost?
Indicatively Specimens $40–$5,000; fine San Pedro botryoidal pieces $150–$2,000. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is mimetite confused with?
Most often Pyromorphite, Vanadinite, Wulfenite and Orange calcite. A refractive index of 2.128–2.147 and a specific gravity near 7.1–7.3 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for mimetite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about mimetite