Sarrabusite is a very rare lead chloro-carbonate-sulfate mineral named for its type locality in Sardinia. It typically occurs as small, tabular crystals within oxidized lead-bearing hydrothermal deposits. Collectors prize it primarily for its scarcity and status as a lead mineral species.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareAnglesite-Lanarkite Group family

Sarrabusite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this sarrabusite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside sarrabusite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₅Cl₄(SO₄)(CO₃)
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 6.61 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish Yellow Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find sarrabusite

Classic worldwide localities

Sarrabus, Sardinia, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where sarrabusite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, anglesite, cerussite 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 sarrabusite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish yellow, colorless.

Where is sarrabusite found?+

Notable localities include Sarrabus, Sardinia, Italy.

How much is sarrabusite worth?+

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

Is sarrabusite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like sarrabusite?+

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

What minerals are found with sarrabusite?+

Sarrabusite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Anglesite, Cerussite, Phosgenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sarrabusite form in?+

Sarrabusite typically forms in hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is sarrabusite used for?+

Sarrabusite is used in collector.

Find sarrabusite on the map

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