Wickenburgite is a rare lead-calcium silicate mineral primarily found in oxidized ore zones. It typically occurs as delicate, colorless to white pearly plates associated with other secondary lead minerals in mine dumps.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Wickenburgite

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

Is this wickenburgite?

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 wickenburgite with a known reference. Wickenburgite 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. Wickenburgite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Wickenburgite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Calcite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Wickenburgite and vitreous on Calcite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Wickenburgite and adamantine on Cerussite.

Compare →

Often found alongside wickenburgite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃CaAlSi₃O₁₀(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 5.65 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail or small specimen

Where rockhounds find wickenburgite

Classic worldwide localities

Lucky Cuss mine, Tombstone, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where wickenburgite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, wulfenite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify wickenburgite?+

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

Where is wickenburgite found?+

Notable localities include Lucky Cuss mine, Tombstone, Arizona, USA.

How much is wickenburgite worth?+

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

Is wickenburgite 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 wickenburgite?+

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

What minerals are found with wickenburgite?+

Wickenburgite commonly co-occurs with cerussite, wulfenite, calcite, fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does wickenburgite form in?+

Wickenburgite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is wickenburgite used for?+

Wickenburgite is used in collector.

Find wickenburgite on the map

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