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. Streak: pale yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to resinous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.
Often confused with
Oxycalcioroméite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- 5.393 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In calcite-barite veins cutting deformed metavolcanic-metasedimentary rocks
Where rockhounds find oxycalcioroméite
Classic worldwide localities
- Buca della Vena mine, Stazzema, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy
- Also from Långban, Värmland, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In calcite-barite veins cutting deformed metavolcanic-metasedimentary rocks. If you start seeing calcite, cinnabar, derbylite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: octahedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify oxycalcioroméite?+
Where is oxycalcioroméite found?+
Is oxycalcioroméite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like oxycalcioroméite?+
What minerals are found with oxycalcioroméite?+
What kind of rock does oxycalcioroméite form in?+
What is oxycalcioroméite used for?+
Find oxycalcioroméite on the map
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