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

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Hydrocerussite

Also: Plumbonacrite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: 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. Hydrocerussite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hydrocerussite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: hexagonal tabular crystals, massive, incrustations.

Often confused with

Hydrocerussite 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 Hydrocerussite and adamantine on Cerussite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Hydrocerussite and adamantine on Phosgenite.

Compare →

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: 6.8 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Hexagonal Tabular Crystals, Massive, Incrustations
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Lead Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 for micro to small cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find hydrocerussite

Classic worldwide localities

Laurion, Greece
Tsumeb, Namibia
Broken Hill, Australia
Mammoth-St. Anthony Mine, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of lead deposits country, the host setting where hydrocerussite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, anglesite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal tabular crystals, massive, incrustations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hydrocerussite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, gray.

Where is hydrocerussite found?+

Notable localities include Laurion, Greece; Tsumeb, Namibia; Broken Hill, Australia; Mammoth-St. Anthony Mine, USA.

How much is hydrocerussite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for micro to small cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is hydrocerussite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested, inhaled as dust, or handled without proper hygiene; wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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 Cerussite, Anglesite, Galena, Smithsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hydrocerussite form in?+

Hydrocerussite typically forms in oxidized zones 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.