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, 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.