Lindqvistite is a very rare member of the magnetoplumbite group discovered in the famous Långban mines of Sweden. It typically occurs as small black metallic tabular crystals within manganese-rich metamorphic environments. Due to its scarcity and distinct locality, it is primarily a prize for advanced mineral systematic collectors.
Is this lindqvistite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch lindqvistite with a known reference. Lindqvistite sits at Mohs ~6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: brownish black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular.
Often confused with
Lindqvistite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Lindqvistite leaves brownish black, Magnetoplumbite leaves dark brown; luster reads submetallic on Lindqvistite and metallic, brilliant on Magnetoplumbite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Lindqvistite leaves brownish black, Hematite leaves cherry-red or reddish brown; luster reads submetallic on Lindqvistite and metallic or submetallic to dull on Hematite.
Often found alongside lindqvistite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lindqvistite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Mn²⁺Fe³⁺₁₆O₂₇
- Mohs hardness
- ~6
- Density
- 5.76 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular
- Cleavage
- {0001}, perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a regionally metamorphosed lead-bearing Fe–Mn skarn deposit
Where rockhounds find lindqvistite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jakobsberg, Värmland, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a regionally metamorphosed lead-bearing Fe–Mn skarn deposit. If you start seeing jacobsite, plumboferrite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lindqvistite?+
Where is lindqvistite found?+
Is lindqvistite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like lindqvistite?+
What minerals are found with lindqvistite?+
What kind of rock does lindqvistite form in?+
What is lindqvistite used for?+
Find lindqvistite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
