Mendigite is a rare lead-copper sulfate mineral typically found as fine, needle-like acicular crystals or radial sprays. It is primarily identified from its type locality in the Eifel volcanic region of Germany, occurring in vugs within basaltic rocks.
Is this mendigite?
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 mendigite with a known reference. Mendigite sits at Mohs 4.5-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mendigite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mendigite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Mendigite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Mendigite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Mendigite leaves white, Linarite leaves pale blue.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Mendigite leaves white, Brochantite leaves pale-green.
Often found alongside mendigite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mendigite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₄Cu(OH)₆(SO₄)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 2.8-2.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Fibrous, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Volcanic Rock
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find mendigite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mendig, Eifel, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in volcanic rock country, the host setting where mendigite typically forms. If you start seeing lanarkite, anglesite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find mendigite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
