Embreyite is a rare lead chromium phosphate mineral that typically forms as bright orange, tabular crystals or crusts. It is primarily found in the oxidation zones of lead-bearing hydrothermal veins where chromium is present. Due to its rarity and specific chemical requirements, it is a highly sought-after specimen for advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellowish-orange

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarenull family

Embreyite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellowish-orange
Transparency: Translucent

Is this embreyite?

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 embreyite with a known reference. Embreyite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Embreyite leaves a yellowish-orange streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Embreyite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: orange, reddish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, botryoidal aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Crocoite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Embreyite leaves yellowish-orange, Crocoite leaves orange-yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Embreyite leaves yellowish-orange, Phoenicochroite leaves orange-yellow.

Compare →

Often found alongside embreyite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₅(CrO₄)₂(PO₄)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.08 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Reddish-orange
Streak: Yellowish-orange
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Botryoidal Aggregates
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-chromium Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality

Where rockhounds find embreyite

Classic worldwide localities

Berezovskoye deposit, Ural Mountains, Russia
Callenberg, Saxony, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-chromium deposits country — that is the host setting where embreyite typically forms. If you start seeing crocoite, phoenicochroite, vauquelinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, botryoidal aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify embreyite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellowish-orange. Common colors include orange, reddish-orange.

Where is embreyite found?+

Notable localities include Berezovskoye deposit, Ural Mountains, Russia; Callenberg, Saxony, Germany.

How much is embreyite worth?+

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

Is embreyite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and chromium; handle with care to avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like embreyite?+

Embreyite is most often confused with Crocoite, Phoenicochroite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with embreyite?+

Embreyite commonly co-occurs with Crocoite, Phoenicochroite, Vauquelinite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does embreyite form in?+

Embreyite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal lead-chromium deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is embreyite used for?+

Embreyite is used in collector.

Find embreyite on the map

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