Kraisslite is a very rare lead-manganese arsenate mineral found primarily in the famous Långban mines of Sweden. It typically occurs as small, yellowish to brown platy or tabular crystals associated with other complex manganese minerals in metamorphosed ore deposits.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Kraisslite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this kraisslite?

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 kraisslite with a known reference. Kraisslite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kraisslite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kraisslite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Dixenite

Mohs 3-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kraisslite leaves white, Dixenite leaves brownish-red.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kraisslite leaves white, Allactite leaves light brown.

Compare →

Often found alongside kraisslite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₈Mn₈(AsO₄)₂(AsO₃)₄(OH)₈
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.84 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Orange-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kraisslite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where kraisslite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, baryte, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kraisslite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, orange-brown.

Where is kraisslite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden.

How much is kraisslite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is kraisslite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like kraisslite?+

Kraisslite is most often confused with Dixenite, Allactite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kraisslite?+

Kraisslite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Baryte, Calcite, Dixenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kraisslite form in?+

Kraisslite typically forms in metamorphosed iron-manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kraisslite used for?+

Kraisslite is used in collector.

Find kraisslite on the map

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