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

Transparent

mineralrare

Artroeite

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

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. Artroeite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Artroeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

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 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: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-bearing Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail

Where rockhounds find artroeite

Classic worldwide localities

Mammoth-St. Anthony mine, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where artroeite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, anglesite, wulfenite 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 artroeite?+

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

Where is artroeite found?+

Notable localities include Mammoth-St. Anthony mine, Arizona, USA.

How much is artroeite worth?+

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

Is artroeite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. 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. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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 Cerussite, Anglesite, Wulfenite, Diaboleite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does artroeite form in?+

Artroeite typically forms in oxidized lead-bearing ore deposits. 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.