Mattheddleite is a rare lead silicate-sulfate mineral named after the Scottish mineralogist Matthew Forster Heddle. It typically appears as small, colorless to pale yellow prismatic crystals found in the oxidized zones of lead-zinc mines, specifically in the Leadhills-Wanlockhead district of Scotland.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareApatite Group family

Mattheddleite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this mattheddleite?

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 mattheddleite with a known reference. Mattheddleite 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. Mattheddleite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mattheddleite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pyromorphite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Mattheddleite and resinous on Pyromorphite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Mattheddleite and adamantine on Mimetite.

Compare →

Often found alongside mattheddleite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂₀(SiO₄)₇(SO₄)₄Cl₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.62 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
Typical price: $50-300+ per specimen depending on crystal size

Where rockhounds find mattheddleite

Classic worldwide localities

Leadhills, Scotland
Wanlockhead, Scotland

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify mattheddleite?+

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

Where is mattheddleite found?+

Notable localities include Leadhills, Scotland; Wanlockhead, Scotland.

How much is mattheddleite worth?+

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

Is mattheddleite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like mattheddleite?+

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

What minerals are found with mattheddleite?+

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

What kind of rock does mattheddleite form in?+

Mattheddleite 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 mattheddleite used for?+

Mattheddleite is used in collector.

Find mattheddleite on the map

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