Kenoplumbomicrolite is a rare member of the pyrochlore supergroup, specifically a lead-dominant variety characterized by a vacancy in the A-site. It is typically found as small, octahedral crystals in highly evolved granitic pegmatites. Collectors look for its characteristic resinous luster and often earthy, yellowish-brown to reddish-brown coloration.
Is this kenoplumbomicrolite?
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 kenoplumbomicrolite with a known reference. Kenoplumbomicrolite sits at Mohs ~6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.
Often confused with
Kenoplumbomicrolite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kenoplumbomicrolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kenoplumbomicrolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Pb,☐)₂Ta₂O₆[☐,(OH),O]
- Mohs hardness
- ~6
- Density
- 7.310-7.832 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Greasy
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In an ‘amazonite’ pegmatite vein in an alkaline granite pluton
Where rockhounds find kenoplumbomicrolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mt. Ploskaya, Western Keivy Massif, Kola Peninsula, Murmanskaja Oblast, Northern Region, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In an ‘amazonite’ pegmatite vein in an alkaline granite pluton. If you start seeing quartz, biotite, microcline 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 kenoplumbomicrolite?+
Where is kenoplumbomicrolite found?+
Is kenoplumbomicrolite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like kenoplumbomicrolite?+
What minerals are found with kenoplumbomicrolite?+
What kind of rock does kenoplumbomicrolite form in?+
What is kenoplumbomicrolite used for?+
Find kenoplumbomicrolite on the map
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