Fichtelite is an organic mineral species consisting of a naturally occurring hydrocarbon found in fossilized wood and lignite deposits. It typically forms delicate, tabular, colorless to brownish crystals that are highly sensitive to heat and can easily melt. Collectors usually prize it for its unique origin as a biological derivative preserved within ancient plant matter.
Is this fichtelite?
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 fichtelite with a known reference. Fichtelite sits at Mohs 1 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fichtelite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fichtelite typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish, brownish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, prismatic, coatings.
Often confused with
Fichtelite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside fichtelite
Minerals reported to co-occur with fichtelite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- C₁₉H₃₄
- Mohs hardness
- 1
- Density
- 1.03 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Prismatic, Coatings
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Lignite Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find fichtelite
Classic worldwide localities
- Uznach, Switzerland
- Gundelfingen, Germany
- Denmark
Field-hunting tip
Look in lignite deposits country — that is the host setting where fichtelite typically forms. If you start seeing lignite, peat in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, prismatic, coatings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fichtelite?+
Where is fichtelite found?+
How much is fichtelite worth?+
What rocks look like fichtelite?+
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Find fichtelite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
