Leucostaurite is an exceptionally rare lead borate mineral primarily found in the Friedrichssegen mine near Bad Ems, Germany. It typically forms small, white to colorless tabular crystals that can be difficult to distinguish from other colorless secondary minerals without advanced testing.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Leucostaurite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this leucostaurite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Borax

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Leucostaurite and vitreous to earthy on Borax.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Leucostaurite and dull on Priceite.

Compare →

Often found alongside leucostaurite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb(B₅O₈)(OH)·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.12 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find leucostaurite

Classic worldwide localities

Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in ore deposits country — that is the host setting where leucostaurite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, anglesite 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 leucostaurite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is leucostaurite found?+

Notable localities include Germany.

How much is leucostaurite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is leucostaurite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Always wash hands after handling and avoid creating dust when cleaning specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like leucostaurite?+

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

What minerals are found with leucostaurite?+

Leucostaurite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Anglesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does leucostaurite form in?+

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

What is leucostaurite used for?+

Leucostaurite is used in collector.

Find leucostaurite on the map

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