Čechite is a rare lead-iron vanadate mineral typically occurring in the oxidized zones of lead-bearing hydrothermal deposits. It is best identified by its dark, often near-metallic appearance and its specific paragenesis with other vanadates like descloizite.
Is this čechite?
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 čechite with a known reference. Čechite sits at Mohs 4.5-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Čechite leaves a brownish black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Čechite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular to equant crystals, often as crusts or massive aggregates.
Often confused with
Čechite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Čechite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 3-3.5); streak differs, so Čechite leaves brownish black, Descloizite leaves orange to brownish-red; luster reads submetallic on Čechite and greasy to adamantine on Descloizite.
How to tell apart: Čechite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 3-3.5); streak differs, so Čechite leaves brownish black, Mottramite leaves yellowish green; luster reads submetallic on Čechite and greasy on Mottramite.
Often found alongside čechite
Minerals reported to co-occur with čechite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbFe²⁺(VO₄)(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 5.71 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Equant Crystals, Often as Crusts or Massive Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Polymetallic Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find čechite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vrančice, Czech Republic
- Sierra Gorda, Chile
- Kabwe, Zambia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in polymetallic ore deposits country, the host setting where čechite typically forms. If you start seeing descloizite, galena, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to equant crystals, often as crusts or massive aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find čechite on the map
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