Lahnsteinite
A variety of Minerals
What is Lahnsteinite?
Lahnsteinite is a basic sulfate mineral first discovered in the Friedrichssegen Mine, Germany in a goethite cavity. Though found in goethite, the crystals of Lahnsteinite are few millimeters in size, and are tabular shaped. Lahnsteinite was the first mineral discovered in the Lahn Valley deposits. The empirical formula for lahnsteinite is (Zn3.3,Fe0.27,Cu0.11)3.91(S0.98O4)(OH)5*3H2.10O.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Lahnsteinite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Lahnsteinite Localities Map
See where Lahnsteinite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Lahnsteinite
Lahnsteinite is a colorless or lightly blue colored transparent mineral. It exhibits a hardness of 1.5 on the Mohs hardness scale placing it right between talc and gypsum. This is characterized by the perfect mica-like cleavages planes parallel to the {001} face. Lahnsteinite crystals occur as hexagonal plates combining to form a triclinic cell. The major forms are {001} and {00-1} faces. Lahnsteinite is flexible with lamellae cleavages. The measured density is 2.98 g/cm.
Formation of Lahnsteinite
Lahnsteinite was first found in a cavernous kidney-like goethite. Typically Lahnsteinite is found near goethite, pyromorphite, quartz and native copper. When found with these minerals, the Lahnsteinite crystals are overgrowing the walls of several cavities. Lahnsteinite is a uniquely rare mineral, as it occurs in very small amounts in two known locations around the world. The first location is in the mine it was found in, just outside of Lahnstein Germany, the second, in a small mine in southern California..
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- colorless
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 1.5
- Density
- 2.995 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Zn4(SO4)(OH)6 · 3H2O
- Elements
- H, O, S, Zn
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Lahnsteinite FAQs
How do I identify Lahnsteinite?
Lahnsteinite can be identified by its hardness of 1.5 on the Mohs scale, colorless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Lahnsteinite?
Lahnsteinite typically appears in colorless. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Lahnsteinite?
Lahnsteinite has a hardness of 1.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the characteristics of lahnsteinite of Lahnsteinite?
Lahnsteinite is a colorless or lightly blue colored transparent mineral. It exhibits a hardness of 1.5 on the Mohs hardness scale placing it right between talc and gypsum. This is characterized by the perfect mica-like cleavages planes parallel to the {001} face. Lahnsteinite crystals occur as hexagonal plates combining to form a triclinic cell. The major forms are {001} and {00-1} faces. Lahnsteinite is flexible with lamellae cleavages. The measured density is 2.98 g/cm.
What is the formation of lahnsteinite of Lahnsteinite?
Lahnsteinite was first found in a cavernous kidney-like goethite. Typically Lahnsteinite is found near goethite, pyromorphite, quartz and native copper. When found with these minerals, the Lahnsteinite crystals are overgrowing the walls of several cavities. Lahnsteinite is a uniquely rare mineral, as it occurs in very small amounts in two known locations around the world. The first location is in the mine it was found in, just outside of Lahnstein Germany, the second, in a small mine in southern California..
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