Kegginite is a complex polyoxometalate mineral found in the oxidation zones of lead-molybdenum deposits. It typically occurs as soft, yellow to yellow-orange crusts or microcrystalline coatings on host rocks, often associated with other secondary lead minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Earthy

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Kegginite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Earthy
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this kegginite?

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 kegginite with a known reference. Kegginite 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. Kegginite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kegginite typically shows a earthy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Molybdite

Mohs 1-2

How to tell apart: Luster reads earthy on Kegginite and silky on Molybdite.

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Often found alongside kegginite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₈₀Al₁₂Mo₈₀V₄₀O₄₀₀(OH)₈₀(H₂O)₄₀
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.84 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Earthy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Microcrystalline Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-molybdenum Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 for small thumbnail specimens

Where rockhounds find kegginite

Classic worldwide localities

Rowley Mine, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-molybdenum deposits country — that is the host setting where kegginite typically forms. If you start seeing wulfenite, descloizite, mimetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kegginite?+

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

Where is kegginite found?+

Notable localities include Rowley Mine, Arizona, USA.

How much is kegginite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for small thumbnail specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is kegginite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic. Handle with care, wash hands after touching, and avoid creating or inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kegginite?+

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

What minerals are found with kegginite?+

Kegginite commonly co-occurs with wulfenite, descloizite, mimetite, hemimorphite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kegginite form in?+

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

What is kegginite used for?+

Kegginite is used in collector.

Find kegginite on the map

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