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 — that is 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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