Macphersonite is a rare lead sulfate-carbonate mineral typically found in the oxidation zones of lead deposits. It is most famously identified from the Leadhills-Wanlockhead district in Scotland, where it forms small, delicate crystals often associated with leadhillite and susannite.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareLeadhillite-Susannite Group family

Macphersonite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this macphersonite?

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 macphersonite with a known reference. Macphersonite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Macphersonite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Macphersonite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals or small clusters of crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside macphersonite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₄(SO₄)(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 6.64 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals or Small Clusters of Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find macphersonite

Classic worldwide localities

Katy Mine, Scotland
Leadhills, Scotland
Wanlockhead, Scotland

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where macphersonite typically forms. If you start seeing leadhillite, susannite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals or small clusters of crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify macphersonite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange, colorless.

Where is macphersonite found?+

Notable localities include Katy Mine, Scotland; Leadhills, Scotland; Wanlockhead, Scotland.

How much is macphersonite worth?+

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

Is macphersonite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens and avoid inhaling dust when cleaning or trimming. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like macphersonite?+

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

What minerals are found with macphersonite?+

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

What kind of rock does macphersonite form in?+

Macphersonite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is macphersonite used for?+

Macphersonite is used in collector.

Find macphersonite on the map

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