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 — that is 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?+
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How much is lepidocrocite worth?+
What rocks look like lepidocrocite?+
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Find lepidocrocite on the map
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