Burnsite is a very rare lead carbonate mineral typically found in the oxidation zones of lead-rich hydrothermal deposits. It is known primarily from the 79 Mine in Arizona, appearing as small, transparent to translucent tabular crystals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Burnsite

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

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Is this burnsite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Cerussite

Mohs 3-3.5

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

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

Compare →

Often found alongside burnsite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₁₀(CO₃)₆O(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.81 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead Deposits
Typical price: $50-500+ depending on crystal size and quality

Where rockhounds find burnsite

Classic worldwide localities

79 Mine, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead deposits country, the host setting where burnsite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, wulfenite, galena 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 burnsite?+

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

Where is burnsite found?+

Notable localities include 79 Mine, Arizona, USA.

How much is burnsite worth?+

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

Is burnsite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like burnsite?+

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

What minerals are found with burnsite?+

Burnsite commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Wulfenite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does burnsite form in?+

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

What is burnsite used for?+

Burnsite is used in collector.

Find burnsite on the map

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