Wheatleyite is an extremely rare organic mineral found as a secondary phase in lead-zinc hydrothermal deposits. It is best known for its occurrence in the Wheatley Mine, where it forms small, delicate tabular crystals alongside other lead minerals.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Wheatleyite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this wheatleyite?

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 wheatleyite with a known reference. Wheatleyite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wheatleyite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Wheatleyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often found alongside wheatleyite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Cu(C₂O₄)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.14 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find wheatleyite

Classic worldwide localities

Wheatley Mine, Pennsylvania, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where wheatleyite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify wheatleyite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is wheatleyite found?+

Notable localities include Wheatley Mine, Pennsylvania, USA.

How much is wheatleyite worth?+

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

What minerals are found with wheatleyite?+

Wheatleyite commonly co-occurs with galena, cerussite, anglesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does wheatleyite form in?+

Wheatleyite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is wheatleyite used for?+

Wheatleyite is used in collector.

Find wheatleyite on the map

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