Surite is a rare phyllosilicate mineral typically found in the oxidation zones of lead-zinc deposits. It is most recognized for its platy, micaceous habit and pearly luster, often appearing as coatings or small aggregates on host lead minerals.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Semitransparent

mineralrare

Surite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Semitransparent

Is this surite?

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 surite with a known reference. Surite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, light green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: lath, tabular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Kaolinite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Surite and pearly to dull earthy on Kaolinite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Surite and dull, earthy on Montmorillonite.

Compare →

Often found alongside surite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Pb,Ca)₃Al₂(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(CO₃)₂(OH)₃·0.3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 4.0 g/cm³
Colors: White Light green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Lath, tabular
Cleavage: Perfect on {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: As fissure fillings in the oxidized zone of a Pb-Zn deposit

Where rockhounds find surite

Classic worldwide localities

Cruz del Sur mine, 42 km east-southeast of Los Menucos, Rio Negro Province, Argentina

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: As fissure fillings in the oxidized zone of a Pb-Zn deposit. If you start seeing kaolinite, cerussite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: lath, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify surite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include white, light green.

Where is surite found?+

Notable localities include Cruz del Sur mine, 42 km east-southeast of Los Menucos, Rio Negro Province, Argentina.

Is surite safe to handle?+

Surite contains lead. Contains lead; avoid inhaling dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep specimens in protective containers to prevent oxidation or particulate shedding.

What rocks look like surite?+

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

What minerals are found with surite?+

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

What kind of rock does surite form in?+

Where it forms: As fissure fillings in the oxidized zone of a Pb-Zn deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is surite used for?+

Surite is used in collector.

Find surite on the map

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