Hydrocerussite is a secondary mineral typically found in the oxidation zones of lead ore deposits. It often forms as a thin, pearly white coating on other lead minerals like cerussite or galena, though well-formed hexagonal crystals are highly sought after by collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine, pearly on {0001}

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrare

Hydrocerussite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Adamantine, pearly on {0001}
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Is this hydrocerussite?

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 hydrocerussite with a known reference. Hydrocerussite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine, pearly on {0001}.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside hydrocerussite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 6.80-6.82 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine, pearly on {0001}
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Platy
Cleavage: On {0001}, perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: An uncommon secondary mineral in the oxidized portions of lead deposits

Where rockhounds find hydrocerussite

Classic worldwide localities

Mammoth-St. Anthony mine, Tiger, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA
C & B mine, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
Bunker Hill mine, Shoshone Co., Idaho, USA
Långban, Värmland, Sweden
Tvedalen, near Larvik, Norway
Relatively Higher Pitts Farm, Mendip Hills, and as Merehead quarry, near Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: An uncommon secondary mineral in the oxidized portions of lead deposits. If you start seeing lead, cerussite, leadhillite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hydrocerussite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: adamantine, pearly on {0001}. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, gray.

Where is hydrocerussite found?+

Notable localities include Mammoth-St. Anthony mine, Tiger, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA; C & B mine, Gila Co., Arizona, USA; Bunker Hill mine, Shoshone Co., Idaho, USA; Långban, Värmland, Sweden; Tvedalen, near Larvik, Norway.

Is hydrocerussite safe to handle?+

Hydrocerussite contains lead. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested, inhaled as dust, or handled without proper hygiene; wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like hydrocerussite?+

Hydrocerussite 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 hydrocerussite?+

Hydrocerussite commonly co-occurs with Lead, Cerussite, Leadhillite, Matlockite, Paralaurionite, Diaboleite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hydrocerussite form in?+

Where it forms: An uncommon secondary mineral in the oxidized portions of lead deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hydrocerussite used for?+

Hydrocerussite is used in collector.

Find hydrocerussite on the map

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