Plumbophyllite is an exceptionally rare lead silicate mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of lead-rich hydrothermal deposits. It is most recognized for its platy, micaceous appearance that mimics other phyllosilicates but exhibits a notably higher density due to its lead content.
Is this plumbophyllite?
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 plumbophyllite with a known reference. Plumbophyllite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Plumbophyllite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Plumbophyllite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy or micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Plumbophyllite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside plumbophyllite
Minerals reported to co-occur with plumbophyllite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Si₄O₁₀·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.5-4.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy or Micaceous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Base Metal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find plumbophyllite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine (Namibia)
- Kombat Mine (Namibia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal base metal deposits country, the host setting where plumbophyllite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, cerussite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy or micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find plumbophyllite on the map
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