Langhofite is a very rare lead-antimony oxide mineral found primarily at the Langban deposit in Sweden. It typically appears as dark, submetallic tabular crystals embedded within manganese-rich mineral assemblages.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Yellowish Brown

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Langhofite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Yellowish Brown
Transparency: Opaque

Is this langhofite?

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 langhofite with a known reference. Langhofite 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. Langhofite leaves a yellowish brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Langhofite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Bindheimite

Mohs 4-4.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Langhofite leaves yellowish brown, Bindheimite leaves yellow; luster reads submetallic on Langhofite and earthy on Bindheimite.

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Often found alongside langhofite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Pb,Ca,Mn)₂(Sb,Fe)₂O₇
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 6.8-7.2 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Black
Streak: Yellowish Brown
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Manganese Deposits
Typical price: $200-800+ depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find langhofite

Classic worldwide localities

Langban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where langhofite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, baryte, calcite 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 langhofite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is yellowish brown. Common colors include dark brown, black.

Where is langhofite found?+

Notable localities include Langban, Sweden.

How much is langhofite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-800+ depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is langhofite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like langhofite?+

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

What minerals are found with langhofite?+

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

What kind of rock does langhofite form in?+

Langhofite typically forms in metamorphic manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is langhofite used for?+

Langhofite is used in collector.

Find langhofite on the map

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