Izoklakeite is a rare sulfosalt mineral typically found as slender, striated needles within massive sulfide deposits. It is best identified through laboratory analysis as it visually resembles several other lead-bearing sulfosalts.
Is this izoklakeite?
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 izoklakeite with a known reference. Izoklakeite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Izoklakeite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Izoklakeite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, blackish-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular to prismatic crystals, often as striated needles or fibrous aggregates.
Often confused with
Izoklakeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Izoklakeite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs — Izoklakeite leaves black, Aikinite leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Izoklakeite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5).
How to tell apart: Izoklakeite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Izoklakeite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside izoklakeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with izoklakeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂₇Cu₂Sb₁₉S₅₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular to Prismatic Crystals, Often as Striated Needles or Fibrous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Sulfide Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on crystal quality
Where rockhounds find izoklakeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Izok Lake, Nunavut, Canada
- Boliden, Sweden
- Broken Hill, Australia
- Trepča, Kosovo
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where izoklakeite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular to prismatic crystals, often as striated needles or fibrous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find izoklakeite on the map
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