Ashburtonite is a rare lead-titanium silicate mineral found primarily in Western Australia. It typically occurs as tiny, thin, colorless to pale blue bladed crystals associated with other lead minerals like cerussite and plumbophyllite.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Ashburtonite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this ashburtonite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Plumbophyllite

Mohs 2-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Ashburtonite and pearly on Plumbophyllite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Ashburtonite and adamantine on Cerussite.

Compare →

Often found alongside ashburtonite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₄(Cu,◻)₂(OH)₂TiSi₄O₁₄(HCO₃)
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Bladed Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Sedimentary Rock
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find ashburtonite

Classic worldwide localities

Ashburton Downs, Western Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in sedimentary rock country — that is the host setting where ashburtonite typically forms. If you start seeing plumbophyllite, cerussite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ashburtonite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale blue.

Where is ashburtonite found?+

Notable localities include Ashburton Downs, Western Australia.

How much is ashburtonite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is ashburtonite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ashburtonite?+

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

What minerals are found with ashburtonite?+

Ashburtonite commonly co-occurs with Plumbophyllite, Cerussite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ashburtonite form in?+

Ashburtonite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in sedimentary rock. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ashburtonite used for?+

Ashburtonite is used in collector.

Find ashburtonite on the map

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