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 — 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 — that is 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.