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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.

Hardness
~5
Mohs
Streak
Straw-yellow
Transparency
Transparent

Is this oxyplumboroméite?

4-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 oxyplumboroméite with a known reference. Oxyplumboroméite sits at Mohs ~5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: straw-yellow.
  • 3
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish yellow.
  • 4
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Bindheimite mineral
mineral
Bindheimite
Mohs 4-4.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Oxyplumboroméite leaves straw-yellow, Bindheimite leaves white, yellowish white.

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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
Density
6.732 g/cm³
Colors
YellowBrownish yellow
Streak
Straw-yellow
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Cubic
Crystal habit
Octahedral crystals
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
In fissure veins cutting tephroite skarn

Where rockhounds find oxyplumboroméite

Classic worldwide localities

  • Harstigen mine, Pajsberg, Värmland, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In fissure veins cutting tephroite skarn. If you start seeing calcite, leucophoenicite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: octahedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify oxyplumboroméite?+
Mohs hardness is ~5. The streak is straw-yellow. Common colors include yellow, brownish yellow.
Where is oxyplumboroméite found?+
Notable localities include Harstigen mine, Pajsberg, Värmland, Sweden.
Is oxyplumboroméite safe to handle?+
Oxyplumboroméite contains antimony and lead. Contains lead and antimony, which are toxic. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust.
What rocks look like oxyplumboroméite?+
Oxyplumboroméite is most often confused with Bindheimite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with oxyplumboroméite?+
Oxyplumboroméite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Leucophoenicite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does oxyplumboroméite form in?+
Where it forms: In fissure veins cutting tephroite skarn. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is oxyplumboroméite used for?+
Oxyplumboroméite is used in collector.

Find oxyplumboroméite on the map

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