Lanarkite is a rare lead sulfate mineral primarily found in the oxidized zones of lead mines. It is best known for its high-luster, bladed crystals that typically occur in small, delicate clusters often associated with other lead minerals like anglesite and cerussite.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Lanarkite

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this lanarkite?

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 lanarkite with a known reference. Lanarkite sits at Mohs 2-2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lanarkite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lanarkite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish-white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: lath-like, tabular crystals, sometimes bladed or massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside lanarkite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂OSO₄
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 6.8-6.9 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellowish-white Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Lath-like, Tabular Crystals, Sometimes Bladed or Massive
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Lead-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find lanarkite

Classic worldwide localities

Leadhills, Scotland
Red Cloud Mine, Arizona, USA
Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine, Arizona, USA
Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of lead-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where lanarkite typically forms. If you start seeing anglesite, cerussite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lath-like, tabular crystals, sometimes bladed or massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lanarkite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellowish-white, pale yellow.

Where is lanarkite found?+

Notable localities include Leadhills, Scotland; Red Cloud Mine, Arizona, USA; Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine, Arizona, USA; Tsumeb, Namibia.

How much is lanarkite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is lanarkite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic. Avoid creating dust when handling or breaking samples, and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like lanarkite?+

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

What minerals are found with lanarkite?+

Lanarkite commonly co-occurs with Anglesite, Cerussite, Galena, Pyromorphite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lanarkite form in?+

Lanarkite typically forms in oxidized zones of lead-bearing hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lanarkite used for?+

Lanarkite is used in collector.

Find lanarkite on the map

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