Mendipite is a rare lead oxychloride mineral that typically forms as pearly or adamantine prismatic crystals within oxidized ore zones. It is most famous from the type locality in the Mendip Hills of England where it occurs as distinctively fibrous or elongated white to pale yellow masses.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Mendipite

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

Is this mendipite?

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 mendipite with a known reference. Mendipite 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. Mendipite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mendipite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, yellow, light yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, fibrous.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside mendipite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃Cl₂O₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 7.0-7.5 g/cm³
Colors: White Yellow Light Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Fibrous
Cleavage: Perfect On {110}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-manganese Ore Deposits in Limestone
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail to miniature

Where rockhounds find mendipite

Classic worldwide localities

Mendip Hills, Somerset, England
Langban, Sweden
Brilon, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-manganese ore deposits in limestone country — that is the host setting where mendipite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, hydrocerussite, pyrolusite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive, fibrous habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mendipite?+

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

Where is mendipite found?+

Notable localities include Mendip Hills, Somerset, England; Langban, Sweden; Brilon, Germany.

How much is mendipite worth?+

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

Is mendipite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Mendipite contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid grinding or breaking specimens without proper protection. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like mendipite?+

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

What minerals are found with mendipite?+

Mendipite commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Hydrocerussite, Pyrolusite, Malachite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mendipite form in?+

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

What is mendipite used for?+

Mendipite is used in collector.

Find mendipite on the map

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