Hydroxykenoelsmoreite is a rare lead tungsten iron hydroxide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2016, from material found in Burundi.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarePyrochlore Supergroup family

Hydroxykenoelsmoreite

Hydroxykenoelsmoreite is a rare lead tungsten iron hydroxide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2016, from material found in Burundi.

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this hydroxykenoelsmoreite?

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 hydroxykenoelsmoreite with a known reference. Hydroxykenoelsmoreite sits at Mohs 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pyrochlore

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hydroxykenoelsmoreite leaves white, Pyrochlore leaves brown.

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Often found alongside hydroxykenoelsmoreite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (☐,Pb)₂(W,Fe³⁺,Al)₂(O,OH)₆(OH)
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 4.5-5.2 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granitic pegmatites

Where rockhounds find hydroxykenoelsmoreite

Classic worldwide localities

Sweden
Czech Republic
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Granitic pegmatites. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: octahedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hydroxykenoelsmoreite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, colorless.

Where is hydroxykenoelsmoreite found?+

Notable localities include Sweden; Czech Republic; Russia.

Is hydroxykenoelsmoreite safe to handle?+

Hydroxykenoelsmoreite contains lead. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

What rocks look like hydroxykenoelsmoreite?+

Hydroxykenoelsmoreite is most often confused with Pyrochlore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with hydroxykenoelsmoreite?+

Hydroxykenoelsmoreite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Mica. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hydroxykenoelsmoreite form in?+

Where it forms: Granitic pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hydroxykenoelsmoreite used for?+

Hydroxykenoelsmoreite is used in collector.

Find hydroxykenoelsmoreite on the map

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