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 3.7-4.2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: gray-black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular, 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 3.7-4.2 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs, so Izoklakeite leaves gray-black, Aikinite leaves grayish black.
How to tell apart: Izoklakeite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.7-4.2 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Izoklakeite leaves gray-black, Wittichenite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Izoklakeite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.7-4.2 vs. 2.5-2.75); streak differs, so Izoklakeite leaves gray-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
- Pb₂₆.₄(Cu,Fe)₂(Sb,Bi)₁₉.₆S₅₇
- Mohs hardness
- 3.7-4.2
- Density
- 6.47 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray-black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, aggregates
- Cleavage
- {001}, good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a massive Zn–Cu–Pb sulfide deposit (Izok Lake, Canada); from a Cu–Co sulfide deposit in skarn (Vena mines, Sweden)
Where rockhounds find izoklakeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Izok Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada (type locality)
- Vena mines, near Askersund, Örebro, Sweden
- Lake Zervreila, Vals, Graubünden, Switzerland
- Bazoges, Vendée, and in the Chalanches mine, near Allemont, Isère, France
- Toroiaga mine, Baia Bora̧ district, Romania
- Srednegolgotaiskoe gold deposit, eastern Transbaikalia, Siberia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a massive Zn–Cu–Pb sulfide deposit (Izok Lake, Canada); from a Cu–Co sulfide deposit in skarn (Vena mines, Sweden). If you start seeing galena, pyrrhotite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, aggregates. 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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