The name derives from the Greek Μιμητής mimetes, meaning "imitator" and refers to mimetite's resemblance to the mineral pyromorphite.

It is distinctive for its lack of transparency, its resinous to adamantine luster, and its solubility in nitric acid.

[5] Mimetite forms a complete solid solution series with pyromorphite, with phosphate (PO3−4) substituting for arsenate (AsO3−4).

[6] Mimetite is found in association with lead and arsenic minerals, including pyromorphite, cerussite, hemimorphite, smithsonite, vanadinite, anglesite, pyrite, mottramite, willemite, and wulfenite.

[5][2] Good specimens have been reported from Gila County, Arizona, US; Ojocaliente, Zacatecas, Mexico; Cumberland, England; Johanngeorgenstadt, Saxony, Germany; Namibia; and Broken Hill, Australia.