Raspite is a rare lead tungstate mineral occurring as distinct, often tabular monoclinic crystals. It is most commonly found in the oxidized zones of lead-zinc deposits, frequently associated with wulfenite and stolzite.
Is this raspite?
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 raspite with a known reference. Raspite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Raspite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Raspite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, sometimes elongated or vertically striated.
Often confused with
Raspite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Raspite leaves yellow, Wulfenite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Raspite and resinous on Wulfenite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Raspite leaves yellow, Stolzite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Raspite and resinous on Stolzite.
Often found alongside raspite
Minerals reported to co-occur with raspite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbWO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 7.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Sometimes Elongated or Vertically Striated
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Lead-bearing Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find raspite
Classic worldwide localities
- Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Dunton mine, California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of lead-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where raspite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, wulfenite, stolzite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, sometimes elongated or vertically striated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find raspite on the map
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