Erikjonssonite is a very rare lead-copper sulfate mineral found primarily in the historic Långban mining district of Sweden. Collectors typically seek it for its distinct yellowish-orange, platy crystal morphology and its unique association with complex manganese minerals.
Is this erikjonssonite?
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 erikjonssonite with a known reference. Erikjonssonite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Erikjonssonite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Erikjonssonite typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Erikjonssonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Erikjonssonite leaves yellow, Linarite leaves pale blue; luster reads resinous on Erikjonssonite and vitreous on Linarite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Erikjonssonite leaves yellow, Chlorothionite leaves white; luster reads resinous on Erikjonssonite and vitreous on Chlorothionite.
Often found alongside erikjonssonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with erikjonssonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₄Cu(SO₄)(OH)₆Cl₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.33 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $200-1000+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find erikjonssonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Värmland, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where erikjonssonite typically forms. If you start seeing långbanite, magnetite, hausmannite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify erikjonssonite?+
Where is erikjonssonite found?+
How much is erikjonssonite worth?+
Is erikjonssonite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like erikjonssonite?+
What minerals are found with erikjonssonite?+
What kind of rock does erikjonssonite form in?+
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Find erikjonssonite on the map
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