Yeomanite is a very rare lead carbonate mineral found primarily in the Mendip Hills of England as a secondary alteration product. It typically forms delicate tabular crystals or radial clusters in oxidized lead ores. Due to its scarcity and association with other lead minerals, it is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this yeomanite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch yeomanite with a known reference. Yeomanite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Yeomanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Yeomanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Yeomanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside yeomanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with yeomanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Pb₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.88 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Lead-bearing Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per small specimen
Where rockhounds find yeomanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mendip Hills, Somerset, England
- Tynebottom Mine, Cumbria, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized lead-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where yeomanite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, hydrocerussite, phosgenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find yeomanite on the map
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