Abellaite is a very rare supergene mineral first discovered in the Eureka mine in Spain. It typically forms as delicate, hexagonal, transparent white platy crystals in oxidized zones of lead-rich ore deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Abellaite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this abellaite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch abellaite with a known reference. Abellaite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Abellaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Abellaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

Abellaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Hydrocerussite

Mohs 3.5

How to tell apart: Hydrocerussite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); luster reads vitreous on Abellaite and pearly on Hydrocerussite.

How to tell apart: Cerussite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); luster reads vitreous on Abellaite and adamantine on Cerussite.

Compare →

Often found alongside abellaite

Minerals reported to co-occur with abellaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: NaPb₂(OH)(CO₃)₂
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 4.21 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect On {0001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-bearing Ores
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find abellaite

Classic worldwide localities

Mina Eureka, Castell-estaó, Spain

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-bearing ores country — that is the host setting where abellaite typically forms. If you start seeing hydrocerussite, cerussite, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify abellaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is abellaite found?+

Notable localities include Mina Eureka, Castell-estaó, Spain.

How much is abellaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is abellaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when cleaning specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like abellaite?+

Abellaite is most often confused with Hydrocerussite, Cerussite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with abellaite?+

Abellaite commonly co-occurs with Hydrocerussite, Cerussite, Malachite, Goethite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does abellaite form in?+

Abellaite typically forms in oxidized lead-bearing ores. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is abellaite used for?+

Abellaite is used in collector.

Find abellaite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.