Iranite is a rare lead copper chromate silicate mineral known primarily from its type locality in Iran. It typically forms attractive orange-to-yellow tabular crystal aggregates in the oxidized zones of base metal deposits.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarenull family

Iranite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this iranite?

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 iranite with a known reference. Iranite sits at Mohs 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. Iranite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Iranite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: orange, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Phoenicochroite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Iranite leaves yellow, Phoenicochroite leaves orange-yellow; luster reads vitreous on Iranite and adamantine on Phoenicochroite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Iranite leaves yellow, Wulfenite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Iranite and resinous on Wulfenite.

Compare →

Often found alongside iranite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₁₀Cu(CrO₄)₆(SiO₄)₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-copper Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail, $300-2000 cabinet

Where rockhounds find iranite

Classic worldwide localities

Seh-Changi mine, Iran
Kavner, Iran

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify iranite?+

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

Where is iranite found?+

Notable localities include Seh-Changi mine, Iran; Kavner, Iran.

How much is iranite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail, $300-2000 cabinet. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is iranite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and chromium, which are toxic. Avoid inhalation of dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like iranite?+

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

What minerals are found with iranite?+

Iranite commonly co-occurs with Phoenicochroite, Wulfenite, Cerussite, Descloizite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does iranite form in?+

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

What is iranite used for?+

Iranite is used in collector.

Find iranite on the map

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