Queitite is an uncommon lead zinc silicate-sulfate mineral known almost exclusively from the famous Tsumeb Mine in Namibia. It typically occurs as small, colorless to pale yellow tabular or platy crystals often found in association with other rare secondary minerals in oxidation zones.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Queitite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this queitite?

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 queitite with a known reference. Queitite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Queitite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Queitite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Anglesite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Queitite and adamantine on Anglesite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Queitite and adamantine on Cerussite.

Compare →

Often found alongside queitite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₄Zn₂Si₂O₇(SO₄)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 6.05 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find queitite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where queitite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, smithsonite, willemite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify queitite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is queitite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

How much is queitite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is queitite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest, inhale dust, or lick specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like queitite?+

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

What minerals are found with queitite?+

Queitite commonly co-occurs with Galena, Smithsonite, Willemite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does queitite form in?+

Queitite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is queitite used for?+

Queitite is used in collector.

Find queitite on the map

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