Molybdophyllite is a very rare lead-magnesium silicate mineral known primarily from the unique manganese skarn deposits of Långban, Sweden. It typically forms thin, foliated, or platy crystals with a distinct pearly luster that can resemble micas.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous; pearly on {001}

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrare

Molybdophyllite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous; pearly on {001}
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Is this molybdophyllite?

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 molybdophyllite with a known reference. Molybdophyllite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous; pearly on {001}.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale green, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Chlorite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous; pearly on {001} on Molybdophyllite and pearly on Chlorite.

Compare →

Often found alongside molybdophyllite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₈Mg₉[Si₁₀O₃₀(OH)₈(CO₃)₃]·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.717 g/cm³
Colors: Pale green Colorless Pale yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous; pearly on {001}
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: {0001}, perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In skarns in granular limestone or dolostone

Where rockhounds find molybdophyllite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Värmland, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In skarns in granular limestone or dolostone. If you start seeing hausmannite, calcite, rhodonite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify molybdophyllite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. Luster: vitreous; pearly on {001}. The streak is white. Common colors include pale green, colorless, pale yellow.

Where is molybdophyllite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Värmland, Sweden.

Is molybdophyllite safe to handle?+

Molybdophyllite contains lead. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when breaking specimens.

What rocks look like molybdophyllite?+

Molybdophyllite is most often confused with Chlorite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with molybdophyllite?+

Molybdophyllite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Calcite, Rhodonite, Garnet. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does molybdophyllite form in?+

Where it forms: In skarns in granular limestone or dolostone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is molybdophyllite used for?+

Molybdophyllite is used in collector.

Find molybdophyllite on the map

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