Orlandiite is a rare lead chloride selenite mineral known primarily from the Brosso mine in Italy. It typically forms as small, delicate, pale yellow tabular crystals in association with other lead minerals in oxidized hydrothermal deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Orlandiite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this orlandiite?

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 orlandiite with a known reference. Orlandiite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Orlandiite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Orlandiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Cotunnite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Orlandiite and adamantine on Cotunnite.

How to tell apart: Laurionite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); luster reads vitreous on Orlandiite and adamantine on Laurionite.

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Often found alongside orlandiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃Cl₄(SeO₃)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 4.2 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find orlandiite

Classic worldwide localities

Brosso Mine, Piedmont, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where orlandiite typically forms. If you start seeing cotunnite, chloroxiphite, lead in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify orlandiite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow.

Where is orlandiite found?+

Notable localities include Brosso Mine, Piedmont, Italy.

How much is orlandiite 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 orlandiite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, a toxic heavy metal. 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 orlandiite?+

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

What minerals are found with orlandiite?+

Orlandiite commonly co-occurs with Cotunnite, Chloroxiphite, Lead. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does orlandiite form in?+

Orlandiite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is orlandiite used for?+

Orlandiite is used in collector.

Find orlandiite on the map

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