Dundasite is an attractive secondary lead mineral that typically forms delicate, snowy-white or pale-colored radiating spherical clusters. It is highly sought after by collectors for its aesthetic, pom-pom like habits, particularly when found associated with brilliant orange Crocoite.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineraluncommon

Dundasite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this dundasite?

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 dundasite with a known reference. Dundasite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dundasite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dundasite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale yellow, pale green, blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: spherical aggregates, radiating sprays, crusts, botryoidal.

Often confused with

Dundasite 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 pearly on Dundasite and adamantine on Cerussite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Dundasite and vitreous on Wavellite.

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Often found alongside dundasite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbAl₂(CO₃)₂(OH)₄·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.2-3.3 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Yellow Pale Green Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Spherical Aggregates, Radiating Sprays, Crusts, Botryoidal
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find dundasite

Classic worldwide localities

Dundas, Tasmania
Tsumeb, Namibia
Touissit, Morocco
Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead deposits country — that is the host setting where dundasite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, crocoite, gibbsite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a spherical aggregates, radiating sprays, crusts, botryoidal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dundasite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, pale yellow, pale green, blue.

Where is dundasite found?+

Notable localities include Dundas, Tasmania; Tsumeb, Namibia; Touissit, Morocco; Arizona, USA.

How much is dundasite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is dundasite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like dundasite?+

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

What minerals are found with dundasite?+

Dundasite commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Crocoite, Gibbsite, Pyromorphite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dundasite form in?+

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

What is dundasite used for?+

Dundasite is used in collector.

Find dundasite on the map

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