Rickturnerite is an extremely rare lead oxychloride mineral that typically forms as small, clear, tabular crystals. It is primarily found in the oxidation zones of lead-rich ore deposits, often appearing as a secondary mineral crust or micro-crystal aggregate. Due to its scarcity and solubility, collectors usually look for it in specialized micromount collections.
Is this rickturnerite?
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 rickturnerite with a known reference. Rickturnerite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rickturnerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rickturnerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Rickturnerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Rickturnerite and adamantine on Penfieldite.
How to tell apart: Laurionite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); luster reads vitreous on Rickturnerite and adamantine on Laurionite.
Often found alongside rickturnerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rickturnerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₇O₄(OH)₄Cl₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.12 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins and Oxidation Zones of Lead Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find rickturnerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Butt Mine, North Carolina, USA
- Merehead Quarry, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins and oxidation zones of lead deposits country — that is the host setting where rickturnerite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rickturnerite?+
Where is rickturnerite found?+
How much is rickturnerite worth?+
Is rickturnerite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like rickturnerite?+
What minerals are found with rickturnerite?+
What kind of rock does rickturnerite form in?+
What is rickturnerite used for?+
Find rickturnerite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
