Pattersonite is a rare lead-iron sulfide that occurs as a rare local variation within basalt cavities. It is visually indistinguishable from massive galena to the naked eye and typically requires chemical analysis or X-ray diffraction for definitive identification.
Is this pattersonite?
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 pattersonite with a known reference. Pattersonite 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. Pattersonite leaves a very pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pattersonite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: massive, granular.
Often confused with
Pattersonite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Pattersonite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Pattersonite leaves very pale yellow, Galena leaves lead-gray; luster reads adamantine on Pattersonite and metallic on Galena.
How to tell apart: Pattersonite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2.5-3); streak differs, so Pattersonite leaves very pale yellow, Altaite leaves black; luster reads adamantine on Pattersonite and metallic on Altaite.
Often found alongside pattersonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pattersonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Pb,Fe)S
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 4.17 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Very Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- One Poor Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Basaltic Traps
Where rockhounds find pattersonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Grube Vereinigung, Taunus, Hesse, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in basaltic traps country, the host setting where pattersonite typically forms. If you start seeing prehnite, datolite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pattersonite?+
Where is pattersonite found?+
Is pattersonite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like pattersonite?+
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Find pattersonite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
