Krieselite is a rare aluminum tin hydroxy-fluoride mineral typically occurring as small, delicate tabular crystals. It is primarily known from the historic mining district of Schneeberg in Saxony, where it forms in hydrothermal tin-bearing veins. Due to its scarcity, it is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors of rare species.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Krieselite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this krieselite?

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 krieselite with a known reference. Krieselite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Krieselite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Krieselite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Topaz

Mohs 8

How to tell apart: Topaz is the harder of the two (Mohs 8 vs. 3.5).

How to tell apart: Cassiterite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 3.5); luster reads vitreous on Krieselite and adamantine on Cassiterite.

Compare →

Often found alongside krieselite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Al₂SnO₂(OH)₄F₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.08 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-white
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find krieselite

Classic worldwide localities

Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where krieselite typically forms. If you start seeing cassiterite, topaz, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify krieselite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-white.

Where is krieselite found?+

Notable localities include Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany.

How much is krieselite worth?+

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

What rocks look like krieselite?+

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

What minerals are found with krieselite?+

Krieselite commonly co-occurs with Cassiterite, Topaz, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does krieselite form in?+

Krieselite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is krieselite used for?+

Krieselite is used in collector.

Find krieselite on the map

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