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

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Surite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Surite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Surite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy or micaceous aggregates.

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 pearly on Surite and dull on Kaolinite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Surite and dull 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: Pb₂Mn₃(Al,Fe)₂(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₂(CO₃)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.7-2.8 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy or Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-zinc Ore Deposits
Typical price: $20-100 for small study specimens

Where rockhounds find surite

Classic worldwide localities

Touissit, Morocco
Bou Beker, Morocco

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where surite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy or micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify surite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, pale yellow.

Where is surite found?+

Notable localities include Touissit, Morocco; Bou Beker, Morocco.

How much is surite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 for small study specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is surite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead; avoid inhaling dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep specimens in protective containers to prevent oxidation or particulate shedding. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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 Galena, Cerussite, Anglesite, Pyrolusite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does surite form in?+

Surite typically forms in oxidized lead-zinc ore deposits. 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.