Nadorite is a rare lead antimony oxychloride that typically forms in the oxidized zones of hydrothermal ore deposits. It is known for its distinct tabular crystals and high density, often appearing in brownish-yellow colors with an adamantine luster.
Is this nadorite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch nadorite with a known reference. Nadorite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow to yellowish white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: resinous to adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, brownish yellow, grayish brown, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular to blocky crystals, often in radial or bladed aggregates.
Often confused with
Nadorite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Nadorite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs, so Nadorite leaves yellow to yellowish white, Bismoclite leaves white; luster reads resinous to adamantine on Nadorite and greasy, silky, pearly on cleavage surfaces; dull to earthy when massive on Bismoclite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nadorite leaves yellow to yellowish white, Matlockite leaves white; luster reads resinous to adamantine on Nadorite and adamantine, pearly on {001} on Matlockite.
Often found alongside nadorite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nadorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbSbO₂Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 7.02 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow to yellowish white
- Luster
- Resinous to adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to blocky crystals, often in radial or bladed aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- As an alteration product of other antimony-bearing minerals in hydrothermal mineral deposits
Where rockhounds find nadorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Djebel Nador, Qacentina (Constantine), Algeria
- Touissit mine, near Oujda, Morocco
- Bodannon mine and at Portquin Beach, St. Endellion, England
- Trevinnick mine, St. Kew, England
- Treore mine, St. Teath, England
- Wheal Leigh, Pillaton, Cornwall, England
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: As an alteration product of other antimony-bearing minerals in hydrothermal mineral deposits. If you start seeing jamesonite, galena, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular to blocky crystals, often in radial or bladed aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find nadorite on the map
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