Hügelite is a rare secondary mineral typically occurring as small, orange-brown tabular crystals in the oxidation zones of lead-zinc deposits. It is best identified by its association with other secondary arsenates in the Tsumeb mine environment and its characteristic adamantine luster. Collectors prize it for its rarity and its distinct deep orange color saturation.
Is this hügelite?
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 hügelite with a known reference. Hügelite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hügelite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hügelite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, orange-red, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy aggregates.
Often confused with
Hügelite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hügelite leaves yellow, Descloizite leaves orange to brownish-red; luster reads adamantine on Hügelite and greasy to adamantine on Descloizite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hügelite leaves yellow, Mimetite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hügelite leaves yellow, Duftite leaves light green; luster reads adamantine on Hügelite and vitreous on Duftite.
Often found alongside hügelite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hügelite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂(Zn,Fe³⁺,Mn³⁺)₃(AsO₄)₂(OH)₄·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 4.67 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Platy Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find hügelite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Laurion, Greece
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where hügelite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, cerussite, smithsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, platy aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hügelite on the map
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