Oxycalcioromeite is a rare member of the pyrochlore supergroup, typically occurring as small, well-defined octahedral crystals in metamorphic skarn environments. It is highly valued by advanced micromount collectors due to its scarcity and distinct cubic habit, often found associated with manganese-rich minerals.
Is this oxycalcioroméite?
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 oxycalcioroméite with a known reference. Oxycalcioroméite sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oxycalcioroméite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Oxycalcioroméite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.
Often found alongside oxycalcioroméite
Minerals reported to co-occur with oxycalcioroméite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Sb₂O₆O
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 4.8-5.3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Carbonate Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find oxycalcioroméite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sweden
- Italy
- Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed carbonate rocks country — that is the host setting where oxycalcioroméite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find oxycalcioroméite on the map
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