Plumboselite is an extremely rare lead selenate mineral found almost exclusively in the oxidized zones of selenium-rich ore deposits. Collectors should look for its characteristic adamantine luster and thin, tabular crystals, typically occurring in association with other rare selenide species in the Sierra Gorda region of Chile.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Plumboselite

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

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Is this plumboselite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Cerussite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2).

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Often found alongside plumboselite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃SeO₄
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 6.87 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Selenium-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $200-1000 per specimen

Where rockhounds find plumboselite

Classic worldwide localities

Sierra Gorda, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized selenium-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where plumboselite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, aguilarite, penroseite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify plumboselite?+

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

Where is plumboselite found?+

Notable localities include Sierra Gorda, Chile.

How much is plumboselite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is plumboselite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like plumboselite?+

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

What minerals are found with plumboselite?+

Plumboselite commonly co-occurs with clausthalite, aguilarite, penroseite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does plumboselite form in?+

Plumboselite typically forms in oxidized selenium-rich hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is plumboselite used for?+

Plumboselite is used in collector.

Find plumboselite on the map

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