Schlegelite is a very rare lead arsenic molybdate mineral known primarily from the historic Schneeberg mining district in Germany. It typically forms small, clear to white tabular crystals that are difficult to distinguish from associated species like wulfenite without chemical analysis.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Schlegelite

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

No image

Is this schlegelite?

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 schlegelite with a known reference. Schlegelite 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. Schlegelite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Schlegelite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Wulfenite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Schlegelite and resinous on Wulfenite.

Often found alongside schlegelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₇(AsO₄)₂(MoO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellowish-white
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find schlegelite

Classic worldwide localities

Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where schlegelite typically forms. If you start seeing wulfenite, mimetite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify schlegelite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellowish-white.

Where is schlegelite found?+

Notable localities include Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany.

How much is schlegelite worth?+

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

Is schlegelite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and arsenic; wash hands after handling and avoid creating or inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like schlegelite?+

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

What minerals are found with schlegelite?+

Schlegelite commonly co-occurs with Wulfenite, Mimetite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does schlegelite form in?+

Schlegelite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is schlegelite used for?+

Schlegelite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find schlegelite on the map

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