Dietzeite is a rare calcium iodate chromate mineral exclusively found in the hyper-arid nitrate deposits of the Atacama Desert. Collectors prize it for its vibrant yellow to orange-yellow color and distinct crystal habits, though it is highly sensitive to moisture and should be stored in a dry environment.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Dietzeite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this dietzeite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch dietzeite with a known reference. Dietzeite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dietzeite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dietzeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow, reddish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to acicular crystals, often as crusts or granular aggregates.

Often confused with

Dietzeite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Dietzeite leaves yellow, Lautarite leaves white.

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Often found alongside dietzeite

Minerals reported to co-occur with dietzeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂(IO₃)₂(CrO₄)
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 3.68 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Orange-yellow Reddish-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Acicular Crystals, Often as Crusts or Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: Distinct On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Arid Saline Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find dietzeite

Classic worldwide localities

Atacama Desert, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in arid saline deposits country, the host setting where dietzeite typically forms. If you start seeing lautarite, gypsum, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to acicular crystals, often as crusts or granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dietzeite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, orange-yellow, reddish-orange.

Where is dietzeite found?+

Notable localities include Atacama Desert, Chile.

How much is dietzeite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is dietzeite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), which is toxic and carcinogenic; avoid inhalation of dust, ingestion, or prolonged skin contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like dietzeite?+

Dietzeite is most often confused with Lautarite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with dietzeite?+

Dietzeite commonly co-occurs with Lautarite, Gypsum, Halite, Nitratine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dietzeite form in?+

Dietzeite typically forms in arid saline deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is dietzeite used for?+

Dietzeite is used in collector.

Find dietzeite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.