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. Streak: yellowish-white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: resinous.
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 confused with

Oxyplumbopyrochlore vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Pyrochlore

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Oxyplumbopyrochlore leaves yellowish-white, Pyrochlore leaves brown; luster reads resinous on Oxyplumbopyrochlore and vitreous to resinous on Pyrochlore.

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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

Where rockhounds find oxyplumbopyrochlore

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Långban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: metamorphic manganese deposits. If you start seeing hausmannite, baryte, calcite 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 oxyplumbopyrochlore?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. Luster: resinous. The streak is yellowish-white. Common colors include yellow, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is oxyplumbopyrochlore found?+

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

Is oxyplumbopyrochlore safe to handle?+

Oxyplumbopyrochlore contains lead. Contains lead and is often slightly radioactive due to minor thorium or uranium impurities; handle with gloves and wash hands thoroughly after contact.

What rocks look like oxyplumbopyrochlore?+

Oxyplumbopyrochlore is most often confused with Pyrochlore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

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?+

Where it forms: 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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