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.

Hardness

4.5-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarenull family

Mendigite

Hardness: 4.5-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this mendigite?

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 mendigite with a known reference. Mendigite sits at Mohs 4.5-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mendigite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mendigite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

mineral

Linarite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Mendigite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Mendigite leaves white, Linarite leaves pale blue.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Mendigite leaves white, Brochantite leaves pale-green.

Compare →

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
Colors: Gray White Colorless
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 — that is 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

How do you identify mendigite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include gray, white, colorless.

Where is mendigite found?+

Notable localities include Mendig, Eifel, Germany.

How much is mendigite 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 mendigite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is a toxic heavy metal. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust during preparation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like mendigite?+

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

What minerals are found with mendigite?+

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

What kind of rock does mendigite form in?+

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

What is mendigite used for?+

Mendigite is used in collector.

Find mendigite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.