Chromschieffelinite is an extremely rare lead tellurite chromate mineral occurring as minute tabular crystals or crusts. It is found exclusively in oxidized tellurium-rich zones of base metal deposits, specifically noted at the Grand Central mine in Tombstone. Collectors primarily seek it as an aesthetic and scientific curiosity due to its limited distribution and complex mineral chemistry.
Is this chromschieffelinite?
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 chromschieffelinite with a known reference. Chromschieffelinite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chromschieffelinite leaves a pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chromschieffelinite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, or radiating sprays.
Often confused with
Chromschieffelinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Chromschieffelinite leaves pale yellow, Schieffelinite leaves yellow; luster reads adamantine on Chromschieffelinite and resinous on Schieffelinite.
How to tell apart: Emmonsite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 2); luster reads adamantine on Chromschieffelinite and vitreous on Emmonsite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Chromschieffelinite leaves pale yellow, Tlapallite leaves yellow; luster reads adamantine on Chromschieffelinite and resinous on Tlapallite.
Often found alongside chromschieffelinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chromschieffelinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₁₀Te₆O₂₀(OH)₂CrO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 5.68 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Or Radiating Sprays
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Tellurium-bearing Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find chromschieffelinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tombstone, Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized tellurium-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where chromschieffelinite typically forms. If you start seeing schieffelinite, emmonsite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, or radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chromschieffelinite?+
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How much is chromschieffelinite worth?+
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What rocks look like chromschieffelinite?+
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