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, 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.
