Wildenauerite is a very rare member of the plumbogummite group, typically found as small, dull, yellowish-brown crusts in hydrothermal environments. It is extremely localized, named for its occurrence in the Wildenau area of Germany. Due to its scarcity and similarity to other phosphate minerals, identification often requires analytical confirmation.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGorceixite Group family

Wildenauerite

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Dull
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this wildenauerite?

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 wildenauerite with a known reference. Wildenauerite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wildenauerite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Wildenauerite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gorceixite

Mohs 4.5-5.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Wildenauerite and vitreous on Gorceixite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Wildenauerite and greasy on Plumbogummite.

Compare →

Often found alongside wildenauerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: ZnFe³⁺₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4.5
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-200 micro to thumbnail

Where rockhounds find wildenauerite

Classic worldwide localities

Wildenau, Germany

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify wildenauerite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is wildenauerite found?+

Notable localities include Wildenau, Germany.

How much is wildenauerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-200 micro to thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is wildenauerite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains zinc and potentially heavy metals; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like wildenauerite?+

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

What minerals are found with wildenauerite?+

Wildenauerite commonly co-occurs with Sphalerite, Goethite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does wildenauerite form in?+

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

What is wildenauerite used for?+

Wildenauerite is used in collector.

Find wildenauerite on the map

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