Scotlandite is a rare lead sulfite mineral named after its type locality in Leadhills, Scotland. It typically forms thin, transparent, tabular crystals or crusts within the oxidation zones of lead ore deposits. Due to its solubility and rarity, it is highly prized by collectors of lead-species minerals.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Scotlandite

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this scotlandite?

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 scotlandite with a known reference. Scotlandite sits at Mohs 2-2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Scotlandite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Scotlandite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside scotlandite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbSO₃
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 6.8 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Platy Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Lead-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find scotlandite

Classic worldwide localities

Leadhills, Scotland
Grand Reef Mine, Arizona
Mina Esperanza, Argentina

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of lead-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where scotlandite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, anglesite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, platy aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify scotlandite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is scotlandite found?+

Notable localities include Leadhills, Scotland; Grand Reef Mine, Arizona; Mina Esperanza, Argentina.

How much is scotlandite worth?+

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

Is scotlandite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Scotlandite contains lead; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Store securely away from food and living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like scotlandite?+

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

What minerals are found with scotlandite?+

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

What kind of rock does scotlandite form in?+

Scotlandite typically forms in oxidized zones of lead-bearing hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is scotlandite used for?+

Scotlandite is used in collector.

Find scotlandite on the map

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