Nežilovite is a rare lead-zinc-manganese oxide mineral belonging to the magnetoplumbite group. It typically appears as small, dark, tabular hexagonal crystals in metamorphic environments and is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of rare minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareMagnetoplumbite Group family

Nežilovite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this nežilovite?

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 nežilovite with a known reference. Nežilovite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nežilovite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nežilovite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside nežilovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbZn₂Mn₄Fe₄O₁₉
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 5.31 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks of The Pelagonian Massif
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nežilovite

Classic worldwide localities

Nežilovo, North Macedonia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks of the pelagonian massif country — that is the host setting where nežilovite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, hausmannite, rhombododecahedral garnet in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nežilovite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is nežilovite found?+

Notable localities include Nežilovo, North Macedonia.

How much is nežilovite 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 nežilovite 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 nežilovite?+

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

What minerals are found with nežilovite?+

Nežilovite commonly co-occurs with Willemite, Hausmannite, Rhombododecahedral garnet, Chlorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nežilovite form in?+

Nežilovite typically forms in metamorphic rocks of the pelagonian massif. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nežilovite used for?+

Nežilovite is used in collector.

Find nežilovite on the map

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