Yedlinite is a rare lead-chloro-hydroxy mineral known primarily from the historic mines of Tombstone, Arizona. It typically forms beautiful, deep red to orange hexagonal prisms that are highly sought after by advanced collectors for their aesthetic appeal and rarity.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Yedlinite

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

Is this yedlinite?

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 yedlinite with a known reference. Yedlinite 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. Yedlinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Yedlinite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, red-orange, deep orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: hexagonal prisms with pyramidal terminations.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Wulfenite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Yedlinite and resinous on Wulfenite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Yedlinite and resinous on Vanadinite.

Compare →

Often found alongside yedlinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₆Cl₆(O,OH)₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 6.8 g/cm³
Colors: Red Red-orange Deep Orange
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Hexagonal Prisms with Pyramidal Terminations
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-silver Ore Deposits
Typical price: $200-2000+ per specimen depending on size and crystal quality

Where rockhounds find yedlinite

Classic worldwide localities

Grand Central Mine, Tombstone, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-silver ore deposits country — that is the host setting where yedlinite typically forms. If you start seeing paralaurionite, boleite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal prisms with pyramidal terminations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify yedlinite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include red, red-orange, deep orange.

Where is yedlinite found?+

Notable localities include Grand Central Mine, Tombstone, Arizona, USA.

How much is yedlinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-2000+ per specimen depending on size and crystal quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is yedlinite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like yedlinite?+

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

What minerals are found with yedlinite?+

Yedlinite commonly co-occurs with paralaurionite, boleite, cerussite, phosgenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does yedlinite form in?+

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

What is yedlinite used for?+

Yedlinite is used in collector.

Find yedlinite on the map

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