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, so 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, 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.