Lislkirchnerite is a very rare lead aluminum carbonate mineral found in association with lead ores. Collectors typically encounter it as small, fragile, colorless to white tabular crystals in cavities of oxidized hydrothermal deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Lislkirchnerite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this lislkirchnerite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Cerussite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Cerussite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); luster reads vitreous on Lislkirchnerite and adamantine on Cerussite.

How to tell apart: Hydrocerussite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); luster reads vitreous on Lislkirchnerite and pearly on Hydrocerussite.

Compare →

Often found alongside lislkirchnerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbAl₂(OH)₄(CO₃)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.13 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find lislkirchnerite

Classic worldwide localities

Lisl Kirchner mine, Austria

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where lislkirchnerite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, galena 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 lislkirchnerite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is lislkirchnerite found?+

Notable localities include Lisl Kirchner mine, Austria.

How much is lislkirchnerite 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 lislkirchnerite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested, inhaled as dust, or handled without proper hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like lislkirchnerite?+

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

What minerals are found with lislkirchnerite?+

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

What kind of rock does lislkirchnerite form in?+

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

What is lislkirchnerite used for?+

Lislkirchnerite is used in collector.

Find lislkirchnerite on the map

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