Hanawaltite is an extremely rare mercury-lead oxychloride mineral found in oxidized mineral deposits. It typically occurs as small, brittle, dark brown platy crystals that form in high-grade oxidized zones.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellowish Brown

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Hanawaltite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellowish Brown
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this hanawaltite?

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 hanawaltite with a known reference. Hanawaltite 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. Hanawaltite leaves a yellowish brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hanawaltite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, yellow-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Eglestonite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hanawaltite leaves yellowish brown, Eglestonite leaves yellowish-white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hanawaltite leaves yellowish brown, Terlinguaite leaves yellow.

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Often found alongside hanawaltite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Hg₂⁺PbOCl
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 8.8 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Yellow-brown
Streak: Yellowish Brown
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Mercury-lead Ore Deposits
Typical price: $200-800 per thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find hanawaltite

Classic worldwide localities

Big Adit, Mina El Dragón, Potosí, Bolivia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized mercury-lead ore deposits country — that is the host setting where hanawaltite typically forms. If you start seeing eglestonite, calcite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hanawaltite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellowish brown. Common colors include dark brown, yellow-brown.

Where is hanawaltite found?+

Notable localities include Big Adit, Mina El Dragón, Potosí, Bolivia.

How much is hanawaltite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-800 per thumbnail specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is hanawaltite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like hanawaltite?+

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

What minerals are found with hanawaltite?+

Hanawaltite commonly co-occurs with Eglestonite, Calcite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hanawaltite form in?+

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

What is hanawaltite used for?+

Hanawaltite is used in collector.

Find hanawaltite on the map

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