Bartelkeite is a rare lead-iron-germanium oxide mineral found almost exclusively in the Tsumeb mine in Namibia. It typically occurs as minute, clear to white tabular crystals associated with other rare germanium minerals. Due to its extreme scarcity, it is a highly prized species for advanced mineral collectors.
Is this bartelkeite?
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 bartelkeite with a known reference. Bartelkeite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bartelkeite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bartelkeite 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
Bartelkeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bartelkeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bartelkeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbFeGe₃O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 5.33 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Polymetallic Deposits
- Typical price
- $200-1000+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find bartelkeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits country — that is the host setting where bartelkeite typically forms. If you start seeing germanite, renierite, galena 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
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Find bartelkeite on the map
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