Lepidocrocite is a secondary iron oxide mineral typically forming as a result of the oxidation of iron-bearing minerals like pyrite or siderite. It is easily recognized by its distinctive orange-red streak and micaceous or fibrous crystal habits often found within iron-rich gossans.
Is this lepidocrocite?
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 lepidocrocite with a known reference. Lepidocrocite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lepidocrocite leaves a orange-red streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lepidocrocite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, reddish-brown, orange-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, micaceous, radial aggregates, or fibrous.
Often confused with
Lepidocrocite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside lepidocrocite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lepidocrocite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- γ-FeO(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 4.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- Orange-red
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Micaceous, Radial Aggregates, Or Fibrous
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Weathered Iron Deposits, Hydrothermal Veins, And Bog Iron Environments
- Typical price
- $10-50 per specimen
Where rockhounds find lepidocrocite
Classic worldwide localities
- Siegen, Germany
- Pribram, Czech Republic
- Lake Superior, USA
- Cornwall, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in weathered iron deposits, hydrothermal veins, and bog iron environments country, the host setting where lepidocrocite typically forms. If you start seeing goethite, hematite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, micaceous, radial aggregates, or fibrous habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lepidocrocite?+
Where is lepidocrocite found?+
How much is lepidocrocite worth?+
What rocks look like lepidocrocite?+
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Find lepidocrocite on the map
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