Rudenkoite is an exceptionally rare lead chloride mineral found primarily in the oxidation zones of lead-zinc deposits. Collectors typically look for small, delicate, transparent tabular crystals or thin crusts associated with other lead secondary minerals.
Is this rudenkoite?
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 rudenkoite with a known reference. Rudenkoite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rudenkoite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rudenkoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, thin plates, coatings.
Often confused with
Rudenkoite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Rudenkoite and adamantine on Laurionite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Rudenkoite and adamantine on Penfieldite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Rudenkoite and adamantine on Paralaurionite.
Often found alongside rudenkoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rudenkoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂₂Cl₂₀(OH)₄O₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Thin Plates, Coatings
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Lead-zinc Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and crystal quality
Where rockhounds find rudenkoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kadyrelskoye Pb-Zn deposit, Tuva, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where rudenkoite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, thin plates, coatings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find rudenkoite on the map
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