Laurionite is a rare lead halide mineral famously associated with the ancient slag heaps of Laurium, Greece. It typically forms as delicate, colorless to white prismatic crystals in oxidized lead environments, often appearing in association with other lead minerals like cerussite.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Laurionite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this laurionite?

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 laurionite with a known reference. Laurionite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Laurionite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Laurionite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, often elongated or tabular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside laurionite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbCl(OH)
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 6.24 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Often Elongated or Tabular
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-bearing Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find laurionite

Classic worldwide localities

Laurium, Greece
Tsumeb, Namibia
Tiger, Arizona, USA
Matlock, England

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where laurionite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, anglesite, phosgenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, often elongated or tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify laurionite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellowish.

Where is laurionite found?+

Notable localities include Laurium, Greece; Tsumeb, Namibia; Tiger, Arizona, USA; Matlock, England.

How much is laurionite 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 laurionite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when cleaning specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like laurionite?+

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

What minerals are found with laurionite?+

Laurionite commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Anglesite, Phosgenite, Matlockite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does laurionite form in?+

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

What is laurionite used for?+

Laurionite is used in collector.

Find laurionite on the map

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