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, 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.