Where is Wulfenite found?
Wulfenite
Got a photo? Identify rocks instantly with the Rockby app
Open the appWulfenite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Wulfenite
Red Cloud Mine, La Paz County, Arizona, USA
Famous for producing some of the world's finest deep orange-red tabular wulfenite crystals, often on a matrix of contrasting minerals.
Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico
Known for producing large, thick, and often gemmy orange to yellow wulfenite crystals, sometimes with complex forms.
Tsumeb Mine, Oshikoto Region, Namibia
A classic locality for a wide variety of minerals, including wulfenite, which occurs in various colors and habits, often associated with other rare secondary minerals.
Mezica, Slovenia
The type locality for wulfenite, where it was first described. Produces yellow to orange crystals.
Drahanovice, Moravia, Czech Republic
Known for yellow to orange wulfenite crystals.
Bleiberg, Carinthia, Austria
Historically significant locality for wulfenite, producing yellow crystals.
Collecting tips
- Target Oxidized Zones. Focus your search on the oxidized (supergene) zones of known lead-zinc-molybdenum deposits. These zones are typically near the surface where groundwater and oxygen have interacted with primary sulfide ores.
- Look for Associated Minerals. Wulfenite is often found with other secondary lead minerals such as cerussite (PbCO3), anglesite (PbSO4), mimetite (Pb5(AsO4)3Cl), and vanadinite (Pb5(VO4)3Cl), as well as iron oxides like limonite. The presence of these minerals can indicate a favorable environment for wulfenite.
- Examine Vugs and Fractures. Wulfenite crystals typically grow in open spaces, vugs, and fractures within the host rock, where solutions can circulate and precipitate minerals. Look for these cavities.
- Identify by Color and Luster. The distinctive bright orange, yellow, or red colors combined with its adamantine to resinous luster are key visual identifiers. Its thin, tabular crystal habit is also very characteristic.
- Handle with Care. Wulfenite is soft (Mohs 2.5-3) and brittle. When collecting, use appropriate tools to carefully extract specimens and protect them from damage during transport. Wrap specimens individually in soft material.
- Safety Precautions. Wulfenite contains lead, which is a toxic heavy metal. Always wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Avoid inhaling dust if breaking or cleaning specimens. Do not ingest. Keep specimens out of reach of children and pets. While the lead is not readily bioavailable from intact crystals, prolonged skin contact or ingestion of dust should be avoided.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Bright orange, yellow, red (most common); also brown, gray, green, colorless.
- Luster:
- Adamantine to resinous.
- Streak:
- White.
Explore Wulfenite
Identify rocks anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.