Piemontite-(Pb) is a rare lead-bearing member of the epidote group, typically appearing as distinct reddish-brown prismatic crystals or compact masses. It is primarily found in complex metamorphic manganese deposits, most notably in the Långban district of Sweden. Collectors prize it for its deep coloration and unique lead-rich chemical signature.
Is this piemontite-(pb)?
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 piemontite-(pb) with a known reference. Piemontite-(Pb) sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pink.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: purplish red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Piemontite-(Pb) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Piemontite-(Pb) leaves pink, Piemontite leaves reddish.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Piemontite-(Pb) leaves pink, Epidote leaves grayish white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Piemontite-(Pb) leaves pink, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Piemontite-(Pb) and submetallic on Allanite.
Often found alongside piemontite-(pb)
Minerals reported to co-occur with piemontite-(pb). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaPbAl₂Mn³⁺(Si₂O₇)(SiO₄)O(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 4.282 g/cm³
- Colors
- Purplish red
- Streak
- Pink
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}, distinct on {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- From the Precambrian “Mixed Series” of metamorphic and igneous rocks in the central part of the Pelagonian massif
Where rockhounds find piemontite-(pb)
Classic worldwide localities
- Jakobsberg Mine, Sweden
- Långban, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: From the Precambrian “Mixed Series” of metamorphic and igneous rocks in the central part of the Pelagonian massif. If you start seeing barite, dolomite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify piemontite-(pb)?+
Where is piemontite-(pb) found?+
Is piemontite-(pb) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like piemontite-(pb)?+
What minerals are found with piemontite-(pb)?+
What kind of rock does piemontite-(pb) form in?+
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Find piemontite-(pb) on the map
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