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.
Is this iquiqueite?
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 iquiqueite with a known reference. Iquiqueite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Iquiqueite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Iquiqueite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
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
- 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 — that is 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
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Find iquiqueite on the map
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