Koechlinite is a rare secondary bismuth molybdate mineral that typically forms as small, thin, platy crystals or earthy, micaceous coatings. It is most commonly found in the oxidation zones of bismuth-molybdenum hydrothermal deposits, often appearing as distinct yellowish scales associated with other secondary bismuth minerals.
Is this koechlinite?
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 koechlinite with a known reference. Koechlinite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Koechlinite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Koechlinite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous masses.
Often confused with
Koechlinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Koechlinite leaves yellowish-white, Bismutite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Koechlinite and pearly on Bismutite.
How to tell apart: Koechlinite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1-2); streak differs, so Koechlinite leaves yellowish-white, Molybdite leaves yellow; luster reads adamantine on Koechlinite and silky on Molybdite.
Often found alongside koechlinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with koechlinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Bi₂MoO₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 7.3-7.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Micaceous Masses
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Bismuth and Molybdenum Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find koechlinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany
- Tintic District, Utah, USA
- Coro Coro, Bolivia
- Krusnoye, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized bismuth and molybdenum ore deposits country, the host setting where koechlinite typically forms. If you start seeing bismuth, bismutite, molybdenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify koechlinite?+
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How much is koechlinite worth?+
Is koechlinite safe to handle?+
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Find koechlinite on the map
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