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, so 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, so 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, 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
How do you identify izoklakeite?+
Where is izoklakeite found?+
How much is izoklakeite worth?+
Is izoklakeite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like izoklakeite?+
What minerals are found with izoklakeite?+
What kind of rock does izoklakeite form in?+
What is izoklakeite used for?+
Find izoklakeite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
