Shannonite is a rare lead carbonate mineral found in the oxidized zones of lead-bearing ore deposits. Collectors typically seek it for its distinct bright yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals found in classic localities like the Mammoth-St. Anthony Mine.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Shannonite

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

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Is this shannonite?

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 shannonite with a known reference. Shannonite 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. Shannonite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shannonite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside shannonite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂CO₃O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 7.3 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Greenish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find shannonite

Classic worldwide localities

Mammoth-St. Anthony Mine, Arizona, USA
Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead deposits country — that is the host setting where shannonite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, anglesite, wulfenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify shannonite?+

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

Where is shannonite found?+

Notable localities include Mammoth-St. Anthony Mine, Arizona, USA; Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

How much is shannonite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is shannonite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Shannonite contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling and keep away from children. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like shannonite?+

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

What minerals are found with shannonite?+

Shannonite commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Anglesite, Wulfenite, Plumbonacrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does shannonite form in?+

Shannonite typically forms in oxidized lead deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is shannonite used for?+

Shannonite is used in collector.

Find shannonite on the map

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