Agricolaite is a rare potassium lead carbonate mineral found in oxidized mineral deposits. It typically forms small, clear, tabular crystals in association with other lead-bearing secondary minerals in the Lavrion mines of Greece.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Agricolaite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this agricolaite?

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 agricolaite with a known reference. Agricolaite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Agricolaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Agricolaite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside agricolaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₄Pb(CO₃)₃
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.8 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-silver Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find agricolaite

Classic worldwide localities

Lavrion District, Greece

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-silver ore deposits country — that is the host setting where agricolaite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, phosgenite, hydrocerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify agricolaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is agricolaite found?+

Notable localities include Lavrion District, Greece.

How much is agricolaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is agricolaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Always wash hands after handling and keep away from food. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like agricolaite?+

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

What minerals are found with agricolaite?+

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

What kind of rock does agricolaite form in?+

Agricolaite typically forms in oxidized lead-silver ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is agricolaite used for?+

Agricolaite is used in collector.

Find agricolaite on the map

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