Hinsdalite is a rare lead aluminum phosphate-sulfate mineral often occurring as small, rhombohedral crystals in weathered ore deposits. It is frequently associated with secondary lead minerals and is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of rare species.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBeudantite Group family

Hinsdalite

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this hinsdalite?

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 hinsdalite with a known reference. Hinsdalite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hinsdalite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hinsdalite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow, greenish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Beudantite

Mohs 3.5-4.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hinsdalite leaves white, Beudantite leaves yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hinsdalite leaves white, Corkite leaves yellow.

Often found alongside hinsdalite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbAl₃(PO₄)(SO₄)(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 4.5
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow Greenish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On {0001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find hinsdalite

Classic worldwide localities

Hinsdale County, Colorado
Guanajuato, Mexico
Cumberland, England
Tasmania, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where hinsdalite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, pyrite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hinsdalite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow, greenish.

Where is hinsdalite found?+

Notable localities include Hinsdale County, Colorado; Guanajuato, Mexico; Cumberland, England; Tasmania, Australia.

How much is hinsdalite worth?+

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

Is hinsdalite 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 hinsdalite?+

Hinsdalite is most often confused with Beudantite, Corkite, Woodhouseite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with hinsdalite?+

Hinsdalite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Pyrite, Anglesite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hinsdalite form in?+

Hinsdalite typically forms in hydrothermal ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hinsdalite used for?+

Hinsdalite is used in collector.

Find hinsdalite on the map

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