Iquiqueite is an extremely rare chromate-iodate mineral found primarily in the hyper-arid nitrate fields of northern Chile. Collectors prize it for its vibrant yellow fluorescence under short-wave ultraviolet light, although specimens are often quite small and fragile.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Iquiqueite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this iquiqueite?

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 iquiqueite with a known reference. Iquiqueite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Iquiqueite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Iquiqueite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Dietzeite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Dietzeite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Iquiqueite leaves white, Dietzeite leaves yellow.

How to tell apart: Lautarite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2).

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Often found alongside iquiqueite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₃Na₄Mg(CrO₄)₄(IO₃)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Good
Fluorescence: Bright Yellow Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nitrate Deposits in Arid Desert Environments
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find iquiqueite

Classic worldwide localities

Iquique, Tarapacá Region, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in nitrate deposits in arid desert environments country, the host setting where iquiqueite typically forms. If you start seeing dietzeite, lautarite, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify iquiqueite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow.

Where is iquiqueite found?+

Notable localities include Iquique, Tarapacá Region, Chile.

How much is iquiqueite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is iquiqueite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), which is a known carcinogen and toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; handle with care and wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like iquiqueite?+

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

What minerals are found with iquiqueite?+

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

What kind of rock does iquiqueite form in?+

Iquiqueite typically forms in nitrate deposits in arid desert environments. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is iquiqueite used for?+

Iquiqueite is used in collector.

Find iquiqueite on the map

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