Joesmithite is an extremely rare lead-bearing silicate mineral characterized by its complex chemical structure involving beryllium. It is primarily found in the metamorphosed iron-manganese deposits of Långban, Sweden, often appearing as dark, inconspicuous grains within a mineralized matrix. Collectors prize it as a rare mineralogical oddity rather than for its aesthetic qualities.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Joesmithite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this joesmithite?

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 joesmithite with a known reference. Joesmithite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Joesmithite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Joesmithite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, brownish black, reddish brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular, massive, anhedral to subhedral crystals.

Often found alongside joesmithite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb(CaPb)Fe²⁺₂Be₂Si₂O₈(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 3.84 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Brownish Black Reddish Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Granular, Massive, Anhedral to Subhedral Crystals
Cleavage: Good in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500+ depending on matrix quality

Where rockhounds find joesmithite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where joesmithite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, jacobsite, hedyphane in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, anhedral to subhedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify joesmithite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark brown, brownish black, reddish brown.

Where is joesmithite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden.

How much is joesmithite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ depending on matrix quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is joesmithite safe to handle?+

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

What minerals are found with joesmithite?+

Joesmithite commonly co-occurs with magnetite, jacobsite, hedyphane, diopside, tremolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does joesmithite form in?+

Joesmithite 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 joesmithite used for?+

Joesmithite is used in collector.

Find joesmithite on the map

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