Artroeite is an extremely rare lead aluminum fluoride hydroxide mineral known primarily from the oxidized zone of the Mammoth-St. Anthony mine. It typically occurs as small, colorless to white tabular crystals and is prized by micro-mineral collectors for its rarity and crystal structure.

Hardness

~2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Semitransparent

mineralrare

Artroeite

Hardness: ~2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Semitransparent

Is this artroeite?

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 artroeite with a known reference. Artroeite 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. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: bladed.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Matlockite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Artroeite and adamantine, pearly on {001} on Matlockite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Artroeite and adamantine on Phosgenite.

Compare →

Often found alongside artroeite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbAlF₃(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: ~2.5
Density: 5.36 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Bladed
Cleavage: Perfect on {100}, good on {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In the oxidized zone of an epithermal Cu–Pb–Ag deposit

Where rockhounds find artroeite

Classic worldwide localities

Grand Reef mine, near Klondyke, Aravaipa district, Graham Co., Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In the oxidized zone of an epithermal Cu–Pb–Ag deposit. If you start seeing calcioaravaipaite, quartz, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: bladed. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify artroeite?+

Mohs hardness is ~2.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless.

Where is artroeite found?+

Notable localities include Grand Reef mine, near Klondyke, Aravaipa district, Graham Co., Arizona, USA.

Is artroeite safe to handle?+

Artroeite contains lead. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Always wash hands after handling and avoid creating dust when breaking or cleaning specimens.

What rocks look like artroeite?+

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

What minerals are found with artroeite?+

Artroeite commonly co-occurs with Calcioaravaipaite, Quartz, Anglesite, Fluorite, Galena, Linarite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does artroeite form in?+

Where it forms: In the oxidized zone of an epithermal Cu–Pb–Ag deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is artroeite used for?+

Artroeite is used in collector.

Find artroeite on the map

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