Paralaurionite is a rare secondary mineral typically formed through the alteration of lead ores by seawater or chloride-rich solutions. It is most famous from the ancient slag piles of Laurion, Greece, where it occurs as small, clear, tabular or prismatic crystals often associated with other rare lead chlorides.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Paralaurionite

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

Is this paralaurionite?

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 paralaurionite with a known reference. Paralaurionite 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. Paralaurionite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Paralaurionite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, tabular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside paralaurionite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbCl(OH)
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.08 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Tabular
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-bearing Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality and matrix

Where rockhounds find paralaurionite

Classic worldwide localities

Laurion, Greece
Mamut Mine, Malaysia
Kombat Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where paralaurionite typically forms. If you start seeing laurionite, cerussite, phosgenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paralaurionite?+

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

Where is paralaurionite found?+

Notable localities include Laurion, Greece; Mamut Mine, Malaysia; Kombat Mine, Namibia.

How much is paralaurionite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality and matrix. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is paralaurionite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and keep away from food. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like paralaurionite?+

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

What minerals are found with paralaurionite?+

Paralaurionite commonly co-occurs with Laurionite, Cerussite, Phosgenite, Anglesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paralaurionite form in?+

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

What is paralaurionite used for?+

Paralaurionite is used in collector.

Find paralaurionite on the map

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