Wherryite is an extremely rare lead sulfate-carbonate mineral found almost exclusively in the oxidized zones of lead mines. It typically occurs as delicate, pale green, acicular or fibrous needle-like crystals that can form eye-catching radial sprays.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Wherryite

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

Is this wherryite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside wherryite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₇(SO₄)₄(CO₃)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.45 g/cm³
Colors: Light Green Pale Green
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radiated Fibrous Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-bearing Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find wherryite

Classic worldwide localities

Mammoth-St. Anthony mine, Tiger, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where wherryite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, anglesite, wulfenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiated fibrous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify wherryite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include light green, pale green.

Where is wherryite found?+

Notable localities include Mammoth-St. Anthony mine, Tiger, Arizona, USA.

How much is wherryite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per thumbnail specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is wherryite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when breaking specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like wherryite?+

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

What minerals are found with wherryite?+

Wherryite commonly co-occurs with Cerussite, Anglesite, Wulfenite, Diaboleite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does wherryite form in?+

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

What is wherryite used for?+

Wherryite is used in collector.

Find wherryite on the map

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