Wampenite is a rare organic mineral belonging to the group of hydrocarbon minerals known as fichtelite-like substances. It is typically found associated with lignite and other carbonaceous materials in sedimentary deposits, often forming small, delicate crystals that require careful handling due to their softness.
Is this wampenite?
4-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 wampenite with a known reference. Wampenite sits at Mohs <1, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: greasy.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale amber.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crystalline masses.
Often confused with
Wampenite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside wampenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with wampenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- C₁₈H₁₆
- Mohs hardness
- <1
- Density
- 1.15 g/cm³
- Colors
- Pale amber
- Luster
- Greasy
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, crystalline masses
- Cleavage
- {001}, distinct; also, perhaps on {010} and {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- On a specimen of fossilized conifer wood
Where rockhounds find wampenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Wampen, Bavaria, Germany
- Various lignite deposits
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: On a specimen of fossilized conifer wood. If you start seeing fichtelite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crystalline masses. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify wampenite?+
Where is wampenite found?+
What rocks look like wampenite?+
What minerals are found with wampenite?+
What kind of rock does wampenite form in?+
What is wampenite used for?+
Find wampenite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
