Parkinsonite is a rare lead-copper-molybdenum halide mineral primarily known from the Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine in Arizona. It typically forms thin, brownish-black tabular crystals that are often found in association with other rare lead minerals in oxidized ore zones.
Is this parkinsonite?
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 parkinsonite with a known reference. Parkinsonite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parkinsonite leaves a yellowish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Parkinsonite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brownish-black, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Parkinsonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Parkinsonite leaves yellowish-brown, Wulfenite leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Parkinsonite and resinous on Wulfenite.
How to tell apart: Parkinsonite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Parkinsonite leaves yellowish-brown, Diaboleite leaves pale blue; luster reads submetallic on Parkinsonite and vitreous on Diaboleite.
Often found alongside parkinsonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with parkinsonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₄CuMoO₈Cl₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.87 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $200-1500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find parkinsonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine, Tiger, Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-copper deposits country — that is the host setting where parkinsonite typically forms. If you start seeing wulfenite, diaboleite, phosgenite 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
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Find parkinsonite on the map
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