Diadochite is an uncommon hydrated iron phosphate-sulfate mineral that typically forms as botryoidal or reniform crusts in the oxidized zones of ore deposits. It is often confused with the related species delvauxite, as both frequently exhibit similar waxy, resinous textures and earthy colors. Collectors should look for these distinct, often rounded masses in environments where pyrite and other sulfide minerals have undergone significant weathering.
Is this diadochite?
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 diadochite with a known reference. Diadochite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Diadochite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Diadochite typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange, greenish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: reniform, botryoidal, crusts, massive.
Often confused with
Diadochite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside diadochite
Minerals reported to co-occur with diadochite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe³⁺₂(PO₄)(SO₄)(OH)·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.0-2.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Reniform, Botryoidal, Crusts, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Sulfide Deposits
- Typical price
- $10-50 per specimen
Where rockhounds find diadochite
Classic worldwide localities
- Germany
- Czech Republic
- Belgium
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where diadochite typically forms. If you start seeing vivianite, siderite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a reniform, botryoidal, crusts, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find diadochite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
