Freedite is an extremely rare lead-copper arsenate mineral known primarily from the Långban mine in Sweden. It typically forms thin, orange-yellow tabular crystals or crystalline crusts within manganese-rich metamorphic deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Freedite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this freedite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mimetite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Mimetite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2); streak differs — Freedite leaves yellow, Mimetite leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Freedite leaves yellow, Finnemanite leaves white.

Compare →

Often found alongside freedite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₈Cu(AsO₃)₂(AsO₄)₂O₃Cl₅
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 6.35 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Orange-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $200-800 per specimen

Where rockhounds find freedite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Värmland, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where freedite typically forms. If you start seeing långbanite, magnetite, heliophyllite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify freedite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, orange-yellow.

Where is freedite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Värmland, Sweden.

How much is freedite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-800 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is freedite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like freedite?+

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

What minerals are found with freedite?+

Freedite commonly co-occurs with Långbanite, Magnetite, Heliophyllite, Perite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does freedite form in?+

Freedite typically forms in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is freedite used for?+

Freedite is used in collector.

Find freedite on the map

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