Mallestigite is a very rare lead sulfate-arsenate mineral typically found as small, prismatic, colorless to pale yellow crystals in oxidized lead deposits. It is best identified through its specific association with other lead-bearing minerals in its type locality in Carinthia, Austria. Due to its extreme rarity and complex composition, it is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors.
Is this mallestigite?
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 mallestigite with a known reference. Mallestigite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mallestigite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mallestigite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Mallestigite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Mallestigite and adamantine on Mimetite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Mallestigite and adamantine on Anglesite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Mallestigite and resinous on Pyromorphite.
Often found alongside mallestigite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mallestigite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃SO₄(AsO₄)₂·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 5.59 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Lead-zinc Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find mallestigite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mallestiger Erbstollen, Carinthia, Austria
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized lead-zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where mallestigite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, mimetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find mallestigite on the map
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