Oxyplumboroméite is a rare mineral of the roméite group, typically occurring as small, well-formed octahedrons within manganese-rich metamorphic environments. It is characterized by its high specific gravity and distinct cubic morphology, usually found in historically significant manganese mines.
Is this oxyplumboroméite?
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 oxyplumboroméite with a known reference. Oxyplumboroméite sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oxyplumboroméite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Oxyplumboroméite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.
Often confused with
Oxyplumboroméite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside oxyplumboroméite
Minerals reported to co-occur with oxyplumboroméite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Sb₂O₆O
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 6.5-7.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Manganese Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality and rarity
Where rockhounds find oxyplumboroméite
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Sweden
- Harstigen Mine, Sweden
- Franklin, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where oxyplumboroméite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, baryte, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.




