Caracolite is a rare lead-sodium sulfate-chloride mineral typically found in the oxidation zones of Chilean mines. It often appears as small, pearly, tabular crystals or crusts coating other minerals in copper and lead-rich deposits.
Is this caracolite?
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 caracolite with a known reference. Caracolite sits at Mohs 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Caracolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Caracolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, crusts.
Often confused with
Caracolite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Caracolite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2.5-3); luster reads vitreous on Caracolite and adamantine on Anglesite.
How to tell apart: Caracolite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 3-3.5); luster reads vitreous on Caracolite and adamantine on Laurionite.
Often found alongside caracolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with caracolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃Pb₂(SO₄)₃Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Lead-bearing Ore Deposits
Where rockhounds find caracolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sierra Gorda, Chile
- Antofagasta, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of lead-bearing ore deposits country, the host setting where caracolite typically forms. If you start seeing paratacamite, quartz, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find caracolite on the map
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