Oxyplumbopyrochlore is a rare lead-rich member of the pyrochlore supergroup typically found as small, octahedral crystals. It is primarily recognized by mineralogists for its high density and association with complex manganese-rich metamorphic environments.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellowish-white

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarePyrochlore Supergroup family

Oxyplumbopyrochlore

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Resinous
Streak: Yellowish-white
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this oxyplumbopyrochlore?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch oxyplumbopyrochlore with a known reference. Oxyplumbopyrochlore sits at Mohs 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oxyplumbopyrochlore leaves a yellowish-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Oxyplumbopyrochlore typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.

Often found alongside oxyplumbopyrochlore

Minerals reported to co-occur with oxyplumbopyrochlore. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂Nb₂O₆O
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 6.0-6.5 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: Yellowish-white
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Manganese Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find oxyplumbopyrochlore

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Långban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic manganese deposits country, the host setting where oxyplumbopyrochlore typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, baryte, calcite 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

How do you identify oxyplumbopyrochlore?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is yellowish-white. Common colors include yellow, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is oxyplumbopyrochlore found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Långban, Sweden.

How much is oxyplumbopyrochlore worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is oxyplumbopyrochlore safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and is often slightly radioactive due to minor thorium or uranium impurities; handle with gloves and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What minerals are found with oxyplumbopyrochlore?+

Oxyplumbopyrochlore commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Baryte, Calcite, Dolomite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does oxyplumbopyrochlore form in?+

Oxyplumbopyrochlore typically forms in metamorphic manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is oxyplumbopyrochlore used for?+

Oxyplumbopyrochlore is used in collector.

Find oxyplumbopyrochlore on the map

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