Stolzite is a rare lead tungstate mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of hydrothermal lead-tungsten deposits. It is most recognized for its distinct, often flattened, orange-to-red tetragonal crystals that can be easily confused with the more common Wulfenite.
Is this stolzite?
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 stolzite with a known reference. Stolzite 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. Stolzite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Stolzite typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, orange, yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, pyramidal, dipyramidal.
Often confused with
Stolzite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside stolzite
Minerals reported to co-occur with stolzite. 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
- 8.1-8.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Pyramidal, Dipyramidal
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Lead-bearing Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-200 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find stolzite
2 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Broken Hill (Australia)
- Tsumeb (Namibia)
- Krušné Hory (Czech Republic)
- Calvados (France)
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of lead-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where stolzite typically forms. If you start seeing cerussite, galena, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, pyramidal, dipyramidal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Montana, Utah — start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify stolzite?+
Where is stolzite found?+
Can I find stolzite in the United States?+
How much is stolzite worth?+
Is stolzite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like stolzite?+
What minerals are found with stolzite?+
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Find stolzite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
