Rickturnerite is an extremely rare lead oxychloride mineral that typically forms as small, clear, tabular crystals. It is primarily found in the oxidation zones of lead-rich ore deposits, often appearing as a secondary mineral crust or micro-crystal aggregate. Due to its scarcity and solubility, collectors usually look for it in specialized micromount collections.
Is this rickturnerite?
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 rickturnerite with a known reference. Rickturnerite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rickturnerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rickturnerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Rickturnerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Rickturnerite and adamantine on Penfieldite.
How to tell apart: Laurionite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); luster reads vitreous on Rickturnerite and adamantine on Laurionite.
Often found alongside rickturnerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rickturnerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₇O₄(OH)₄Cl₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.12 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins and Oxidation Zones of Lead Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find rickturnerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Butt Mine, North Carolina, USA
- Merehead Quarry, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins and oxidation zones of lead deposits country, the host setting where rickturnerite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, anglesite 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 rickturnerite on the map
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