Kegelite is a very rare lead-aluminum silicate sulfate primarily known from the Tsumeb mine in Namibia. It typically occurs as small, pearly-white micaceous plates or crusts in oxidized zones of lead-rich ore bodies.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrare

Kegelite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Is this kegelite?

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 kegelite with a known reference. Kegelite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, pearl white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Kaolinite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Kegelite and pearly to dull earthy on Kaolinite.

Compare →

Often found alongside kegelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₄Al₂Si₄O₁₀(SO₄)(CO₃)₂(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 4.46-4.549 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Pearl white
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy crystals, micaceous aggregates
Cleavage: {100}, perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a deep oxidation zone in a polymetallic mineral deposit

Where rockhounds find kegelite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a deep oxidation zone in a polymetallic mineral deposit. If you start seeing quartz, galena, mimetite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

More kegelite photos

Common questions

How do you identify kegelite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, pearl white.

Where is kegelite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb, Namibia.

Is kegelite safe to handle?+

Kegelite contains lead. Contains lead. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating or inhaling dust.

What rocks look like kegelite?+

Kegelite is most often confused with Kaolinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kegelite?+

Kegelite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Galena, Mimetite, Hematite, Leadhillite, Anglesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kegelite form in?+

Where it forms: In a deep oxidation zone in a polymetallic mineral deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kegelite used for?+

Kegelite is used in collector.

Find kegelite on the map

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