Sarrabusite is a rare lead copper selenite, typically lemon-yellow. It is a secondary mineral in a hydrothermal lead arsenic mineral deposit. Associated minerals include orlandiite, chalcomenite and anglesite. It was first described from Baccu Locci mine, near Villaputzu, Sardinia, Italy.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareAnglesite-Lanarkite Group family

Sarrabusite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this sarrabusite?

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 sarrabusite with a known reference. Sarrabusite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sarrabusite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Sarrabusite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lemon-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Anglesite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Sarrabusite and adamantine on Anglesite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Sarrabusite and adamantine on Phosgenite.

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Often found alongside sarrabusite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₅CuCl₄(SeO₃)₄
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 6.011 g/cm³
Colors: Lemon-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits

Where rockhounds find sarrabusite

Classic worldwide localities

Sarrabus, Sardinia, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country, the host setting where sarrabusite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, anglesite, cerussite 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 sarrabusite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include lemon-yellow.

Where is sarrabusite found?+

Notable localities include Sarrabus, Sardinia, Italy.

Is sarrabusite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like sarrabusite?+

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

What minerals are found with sarrabusite?+

Sarrabusite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Anglesite, Cerussite, Phosgenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sarrabusite form in?+

Sarrabusite typically forms in hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is sarrabusite used for?+

Sarrabusite is used in collector.

Find sarrabusite on the map

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