Murdochite is an uncommon, dense black mineral that typically occurs as microscopic cubic crystals or crusts in oxidized mineral deposits. Collectors usually look for it in association with secondary copper and lead minerals like wulfenite. It is primarily valued as a rare species for systematic mineral collections.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Murdochite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this murdochite?

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 murdochite with a known reference. Murdochite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Murdochite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Murdochite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: tiny cubic crystals, massive, or as crusts.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Hausmannite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs — Murdochite leaves black, Hausmannite leaves brownish-red; luster reads metallic on Murdochite and submetallic on Hausmannite.

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Often found alongside murdochite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₄Cu₆O₈(Cl,Br)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 6.6 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Tiny Cubic Crystals, Massive, Or as Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Copper-lead Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find murdochite

Classic worldwide localities

Mammoth-St. Anthony Mine, Arizona, USA
Tsumeb, Namibia
Sierra Gorda, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of copper-lead hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where murdochite typically forms. If you start seeing wulfenite, cerussite, dioptase in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tiny cubic crystals, massive, or as crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify murdochite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black.

Where is murdochite found?+

Notable localities include Mammoth-St. Anthony Mine, Arizona, USA; Tsumeb, Namibia; Sierra Gorda, Chile.

How much is murdochite 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 murdochite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and copper, which are toxic. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like murdochite?+

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

What minerals are found with murdochite?+

Murdochite commonly co-occurs with Wulfenite, Cerussite, Dioptase, Chrysocolla, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does murdochite form in?+

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

What is murdochite used for?+

Murdochite is used in collector.

Find murdochite on the map

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