Whelanite is an exceptionally rare secondary copper-lead silicate mineral known primarily from the 79 Mine in Arizona. It typically occurs as delicate, radiating clusters of blue to blue-green acicular crystals associated with other oxidized lead and copper minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Whelanite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this whelanite?

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 whelanite with a known reference. Whelanite 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. Whelanite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Whelanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale blue, blue-green, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous bundles, radiating aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Planerite

Mohs 4

How to tell apart: Planerite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4 vs. 3).

Often found alongside whelanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂Pb₆(Si₂O₇)(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.32 g/cm³
Colors: Pale Blue Blue-green White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Fibrous Bundles, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Copper-lead-zinc Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find whelanite

Classic worldwide localities

79 Mine, Gila County, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized copper-lead-zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where whelanite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, willemite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous bundles, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify whelanite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pale blue, blue-green, white.

Where is whelanite found?+

Notable localities include 79 Mine, Gila County, Arizona, USA.

How much is whelanite 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 whelanite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and copper. Avoid inhaling dust or powder; wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like whelanite?+

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

What minerals are found with whelanite?+

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

What kind of rock does whelanite form in?+

Whelanite typically forms in oxidized copper-lead-zinc ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is whelanite used for?+

Whelanite is used in collector.

Find whelanite on the map

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