Caracolite is a rare lead-sodium sulfate-chloride mineral typically found in the oxidation zones of Chilean mines. It often appears as small, pearly, tabular crystals or crusts coating other minerals in copper and lead-rich deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Caracolite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this caracolite?

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 caracolite with a known reference. Caracolite 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. Caracolite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Caracolite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Anglesite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Caracolite and adamantine on Anglesite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Caracolite and adamantine on Laurionite.

Compare →

Often found alongside caracolite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₃Pb₂(SO₄)₃Cl
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 5.38 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Lead-bearing Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find caracolite

Classic worldwide localities

Sierra Gorda, Chile
Antofagasta, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of lead-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where caracolite typically forms. If you start seeing paratacamite, quartz, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify caracolite?+

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

Where is caracolite found?+

Notable localities include Sierra Gorda, Chile; Antofagasta, Chile.

How much is caracolite worth?+

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

Is caracolite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is a toxic heavy metal. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid dust inhalation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like caracolite?+

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

What minerals are found with caracolite?+

Caracolite commonly co-occurs with Paratacamite, Quartz, Jarosite, Anglesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does caracolite form in?+

Caracolite typically forms in oxidized zones of lead-bearing ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is caracolite used for?+

Caracolite is used in collector.

Find caracolite on the map

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