Mammothite is a rare lead-copper sulfate-carbonate mineral typically found as small, thin, platy crystals. It is a secondary mineral primarily sourced from the historic oxidized zones of lead-copper mines like those in Tiger, Arizona. Collectors prize it for its rarity and its association with other colorful secondary lead minerals.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Mammothite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this mammothite?

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 mammothite with a known reference. Mammothite sits at Mohs 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. Mammothite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mammothite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside mammothite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₆Cu₄(SO₄)₂(OH)₁₂(CO₃)
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 4.9-5.0 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-copper Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find mammothite

Classic worldwide localities

Mammoth-St. Anthony mine, Arizona, USA
Tiger, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-copper ore deposits country — that is the host setting where mammothite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, anglesite, diaboleite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mammothite?+

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

Where is mammothite found?+

Notable localities include Mammoth-St. Anthony mine, Arizona, USA; Tiger, Arizona, USA.

How much is mammothite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is mammothite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and copper; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like mammothite?+

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

What minerals are found with mammothite?+

Mammothite commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Anglesite, Diaboleite, Wulfenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mammothite form in?+

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

What is mammothite used for?+

Mammothite is used in collector.

Find mammothite on the map

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