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

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Molybdophyllite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Molybdophyllite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Molybdophyllite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: foliated, platy.

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: Molybdophyllite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2-2.5).

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: Pb₂Mg₂(Si₂O₇)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 4.2 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Foliated, Platy
Cleavage: Perfect On {0001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail or small specimen

Where rockhounds find molybdophyllite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Värmland, Sweden
Harstigen Mine, Värmland, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where molybdophyllite typically forms. If you start seeing manganophyllite, magnetite, jacobsite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a foliated, platy habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify molybdophyllite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellow.

Where is molybdophyllite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Värmland, Sweden; Harstigen Mine, Värmland, Sweden.

How much is molybdophyllite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per thumbnail or small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is molybdophyllite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when breaking specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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 Manganophyllite, Magnetite, Jacobsite, Hausmannite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does molybdophyllite form in?+

Molybdophyllite typically forms in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits. 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.