Kegelite is a very rare lead-aluminum silicate sulfate primarily known from the Tsumeb mine in Namibia. It typically occurs as small, pearly-white micaceous plates or crusts in oxidized zones of lead-rich ore bodies.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Kegelite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this kegelite?

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 kegelite with a known reference. Kegelite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kegelite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kegelite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Kaolinite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Kegelite and dull on Kaolinite.

Compare →

Often found alongside kegelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₈Al₂Si₈O₂₄(OH)₄SO₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size

Where rockhounds find kegelite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where kegelite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kegelite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, colorless.

Where is kegelite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

How much is kegelite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is kegelite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like kegelite?+

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

What minerals are found with kegelite?+

Kegelite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Cerussite, Anglesite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kegelite form in?+

Kegelite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kegelite used for?+

Kegelite is used in collector.

Find kegelite on the map

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