Sanrománite is an extremely rare lead-bearing carbonate mineral discovered in the historic silver mines of Hiendelaencina. It typically occurs as small, tabular crystals within hydrothermally altered host rock and is a significant interest to advanced collectors due to its restricted type locality.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareCarbonate Mineral family

Sanrománite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this sanrománite?

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 sanrománite with a known reference. Sanrománite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sanrománite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Sanrománite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Cerussite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Sanrománite and adamantine on Cerussite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Sanrománite and pearly on Hydrocerussite.

Compare →

Often found alongside sanrománite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCaPb₃(CO₃)₅F
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.71 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $100-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find sanrománite

Classic worldwide localities

San Martín mine, Hiendelaencina, Spain

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where sanrománite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, hydrocerussite, dolomite 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

How do you identify sanrománite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale yellow.

Where is sanrománite found?+

Notable localities include San Martín mine, Hiendelaencina, Spain.

How much is sanrománite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is sanrománite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like sanrománite?+

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

What minerals are found with sanrománite?+

Sanrománite commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Hydrocerussite, Dolomite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sanrománite form in?+

Sanrománite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is sanrománite used for?+

Sanrománite is used in collector.

Find sanrománite on the map

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