By Chisom Ibemere
Stolzite is a rare lead tungstate mineral first discovered in 1845 and named after the Austrian mineralogist Joseph Alexi Stolz.
It is primarily found in oxidized tungsten ore deposits, where it forms as a secondary mineral. Some of the most notable sources of Stolzite include Australia, China, Bolivia, Germany, and Russia.
Typically STOLZITE ranges from yellow, brown, reddish, gray, or even greenish hues. It has a Tetragonal Crystal System with a hardness of 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively soft mineral.
It has an Adamantine to resinous lustre, giving it a shiny appearance. It can be be translucent to opaque with a high density due to its lead content.
It can be found in hydrothermal veins and oxidized tungsten or lead deposits.
Due to its rarity and unique appearance, Stolzite is highly sought after by mineral collectors. Its optical properties and composition make it useful for studying lead and tungsten mineralogy.
While rare and soft, some high-quality Stolzite specimens are cut and polished for display rather than jewelry. In the past, Stolzite was examined for its tungsten content, but its limited availability reduced its industrial significance.
Stolzite is not commercially significant like other tungsten ores, but it remains valuable for collectors and researchers. Fine specimens with well-formed crystals can fetch high prices in mineral markets. Its scientific relevance in radiation detection and physics experiments also adds to its global importance.
While not widely used in industries, Stolzite remains a fascinating mineral due to its rarity, unique properties, and connection to both lead and tungsten minerals.