Philolithite is an extremely rare lead-manganese sulfate mineral primarily found in the Långban mines of Sweden. It typically forms small, medium apple-green dipyramidal crystals associated with complex manganese-rich parageneses. Due to its limited occurrence and scientific rarity, it is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Semitransparent

mineralrare

Philolithite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Semitransparent

No image

Is this philolithite?

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 philolithite with a known reference. Philolithite 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: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, emerald green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: encrustations, tabular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Leadhillite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Philolithite and resinous to adamantine, pearly on {001} on Leadhillite.

Often found alongside philolithite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₁₂O₆Mn₇(SO₄)(CO₃)₄Cl₄(OH)₁₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 5.91 g/cm³
Colors: Green Emerald green
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Encrustations, tabular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Very rare in a metamorphosed Fe–Mn orebody

Where rockhounds find philolithite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Värmland, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Very rare in a metamorphosed Fe–Mn orebody. If you start seeing lead, copper, mendipite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: encrustations, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify philolithite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. Luster: adamantine. The streak is white. Common colors include green, emerald green.

Where is philolithite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Värmland, Sweden.

Is philolithite safe to handle?+

Philolithite contains lead. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens.

What rocks look like philolithite?+

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

What minerals are found with philolithite?+

Philolithite commonly co-occurs with Lead, Copper, Mendipite, Braunite, Hausmannite, Pyrochroite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does philolithite form in?+

Where it forms: Very rare in a metamorphosed Fe–Mn orebody. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is philolithite used for?+

Philolithite is used in collector.

Find philolithite on the map

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