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.
Is this plumboselite?
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 plumboselite with a known reference. Plumboselite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: dull to adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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: Luster reads dull to adamantine on Plumboselite and adamantine, resinous to vitreous on Anglesite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull to adamantine on Plumboselite and adamantine, tending toward vitreous, resinous on Cerussite.
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
- Pb₃O₂(SeO₃)
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 7.814 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull to adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, crusts
- Cleavage
- None observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a polymetallic sulfide deposit
Where rockhounds find plumboselite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a polymetallic sulfide deposit. If you start seeing clausthalite, smithsonite, mimetite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify plumboselite?+
Where is plumboselite found?+
Is plumboselite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like plumboselite?+
What minerals are found with plumboselite?+
What kind of rock does plumboselite form in?+
What is plumboselite used for?+
Find plumboselite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
