Petterdite is a rare lead chromate mineral that occurs as distinct, flattened hexagonal plates. It is a secondary mineral primarily found in oxidized zones of lead-rich hydrothermal ore deposits.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMimetite family

Petterdite

Petterdite is a rare lead chromate mineral that occurs as distinct, flattened hexagonal plates. It is a secondary mineral primarily found in oxidized zones of lead-rich hydrothermal ore deposits.

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this petterdite?

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 petterdite with a known reference. Petterdite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Petterdite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Petterdite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy or hexagonal plates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Petterdite leaves white, Crocoite leaves orange-yellow.

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Petterdite and resinous on Pyromorphite.

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Often found alongside petterdite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbCrO₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 7.1 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellowish-white
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Platy or Hexagonal Plates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on quality and size

Where rockhounds find petterdite

Classic worldwide localities

Dundas, Tasmania
Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where petterdite typically forms. If you start seeing crocoite, cerussite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy or hexagonal plates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify petterdite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellowish-white.

Where is petterdite found?+

Notable localities include Dundas, Tasmania; Tsumeb, Namibia.

How much is petterdite worth?+

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

Is petterdite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and chromium; avoid dust inhalation and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like petterdite?+

Petterdite is most often confused with Mimetite, Crocoite, Pyromorphite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with petterdite?+

Petterdite commonly co-occurs with Crocoite, Cerussite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does petterdite form in?+

Petterdite typically forms in oxidized lead-bearing hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is petterdite used for?+

Petterdite is used in collector.

Find petterdite on the map

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