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. Nadorite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nadorite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish-brown, 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. 2.5); streak differs — Nadorite leaves yellowish-white, Bismoclite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Nadorite and pearly on Bismoclite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Nadorite leaves yellowish-white, Matlockite leaves white.
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
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Blocky Crystals, Often in Radial or Bladed Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Lead-antimony Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 for small thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find nadorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Djebel Nador, Algeria
- Touissit, Morocco
- Kleine Kogel, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of lead-antimony ore deposits country — that is the host setting where nadorite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, stibnite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to blocky crystals, often in radial or bladed aggregates habit, so 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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