Philolithite is an extremely rare lead-manganese sulfate mineral primarily found in the Långban mines of Sweden. It typically forms small, pale yellow 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.
Is this philolithite?
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 philolithite with a known reference. Philolithite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Philolithite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Philolithite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: small tetragonal dipyramidal crystals.
Often confused with
Philolithite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Philolithite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); luster reads vitreous on Philolithite and adamantine on Leadhillite.
How to tell apart: Philolithite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); luster reads vitreous on Philolithite and adamantine on Lanarkite.
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
- Pb₁₀Mn₄(SO₄)F₂(OH)₁₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.75 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Small Tetragonal Dipyramidal Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese-iron Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find philolithite
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese-iron ore deposits country — that is the host setting where philolithite typically forms. If you start seeing långbanite, hausmannite, phlogopite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small tetragonal dipyramidal crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find philolithite on the map
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