Langhofite is a rare lead tungstate, typically colorless to white. Associated minerals include calcite, baryte and fluorapatite. It was first described from Långban deposit, Filipstad district, Värmland, Sweden.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Langhofite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. 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: Bindheimite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-4.5 vs. 2.5-3); luster reads adamantine on Langhofite and resinous, dull, 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: Pb₂(OH)[WO₄(OH)]
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 7.95 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals
Cleavage: Perfect on {010} and {100}, producing rhombic fragments
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: metamorphic manganese deposits

Where rockhounds find langhofite

Classic worldwide localities

Langban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: metamorphic manganese deposits. If you start seeing hausmannite, baryte, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify langhofite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. Luster: adamantine. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is langhofite found?+

Notable localities include Langban, Sweden.

Is langhofite safe to handle?+

Langhofite contains lead. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

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?+

Where it forms: 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

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