Mathewrogersite is an extremely rare lead iron germanium silicate mineral exclusively found in the oxidation zones of the Tsumeb mine. It typically presents as thin, pale yellow, platy crystals that can be easily mistaken for other common lead-bearing minerals by casual observers.
Is this mathewrogersite?
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 mathewrogersite with a known reference. Mathewrogersite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mathewrogersite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mathewrogersite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale yellow, yellowish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Mathewrogersite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Calcite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3 vs. 2); luster reads pearly on Mathewrogersite and vitreous on Calcite.
How to tell apart: Cerussite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); luster reads pearly on Mathewrogersite and adamantine on Cerussite.
Often found alongside mathewrogersite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mathewrogersite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₇Fe³⁺₂Ge₂Si₂O₁₉
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 5.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Polymetallic Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $200-1000 per specimen
Where rockhounds find mathewrogersite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in polymetallic hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where mathewrogersite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, galena, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find mathewrogersite on the map
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