Calderónite is a rare lead-iron vanadate mineral that typically forms as small, platy yellow crystals or crusts within oxidized zones of base metal deposits. It is most notably associated with the famous Mina Ojuela in Mexico, where it was first discovered and named. Collectors should look for its distinctive resinous luster and yellow color when examining specimens from oxidized ore bodies.
Is this calderónite?
5-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 calderónite with a known reference. Calderónite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Calderónite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Calderónite typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, aggregates.
Often confused with
Calderónite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Calderónite leaves yellow, Descloizite leaves orange to brownish-red; luster reads resinous on Calderónite and greasy to adamantine on Descloizite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Calderónite leaves yellow, Mottramite leaves yellowish green; luster reads resinous on Calderónite and greasy on Mottramite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Calderónite leaves yellow, Vanadinite leaves white.
Often found alongside calderónite
Minerals reported to co-occur with calderónite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Fe³⁺(VO₄)₂OH
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 5.68 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find calderónite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mina Ojuela, Mapimí, Durango, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where calderónite typically forms. If you start seeing descloizite, goethite, wulfenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find calderónite on the map
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