Langhofite is a rare lead tungstate, typically colorless to white. Associated minerals include calcite, baryte and fluorapatite. It was first described from Långban deposit, Filipstad district, Värmland, Sweden.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Langhofite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this langhofite?

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 langhofite with a known reference. Langhofite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Langhofite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Langhofite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Bindheimite

Mohs 4-4.5

How to tell apart: Bindheimite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4-4.5 vs. 2.5-3); streak differs, so Langhofite leaves white, Bindheimite leaves white, yellowish white; luster reads adamantine on Langhofite and earthy on Bindheimite.

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Often found alongside langhofite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂(OH)[WO₄(OH)]
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 7.95 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {010} and {100}, Producing Rhombic Fragments
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Manganese Deposits

Where rockhounds find langhofite

Classic worldwide localities

Langban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic manganese deposits country, the host setting where langhofite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, baryte, calcite 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 langhofite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is langhofite found?+

Notable localities include Langban, Sweden.

Is langhofite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like langhofite?+

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

What minerals are found with langhofite?+

Langhofite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Baryte, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does langhofite form in?+

Langhofite typically forms in metamorphic manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is langhofite used for?+

Langhofite is used in collector.

Find langhofite on the map

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