Phoenicochroite is a rare lead chromate mineral that typically forms as bright, deep red tabular crystals or crusts. It is most famous from the Berezovskoe deposit in Russia and is highly sought after by advanced collectors for its intense color and rarity.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Orange-yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Phoenicochroite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Orange-yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this phoenicochroite?

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 phoenicochroite with a known reference. Phoenicochroite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Phoenicochroite leaves a orange-yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Phoenicochroite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: cochineal-red, hyacinth-red, dark red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, or crusts.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Phoenicochroite leaves orange-yellow, Vauquelinite leaves greenish-yellow; luster reads adamantine on Phoenicochroite and resinous to adamantine on Vauquelinite.

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Often found alongside phoenicochroite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃(CrO₄)₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 5.7-5.8 g/cm³
Colors: Cochineal-red Hyacinth-red Dark Red
Streak: Orange-yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Or Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Lead-chromium Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find phoenicochroite

Classic worldwide localities

Berezovskoe, Ural Mountains, Russia
Mina Esperanza, Chile
Touissit, Morocco

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of lead-chromium ore deposits country — that is the host setting where phoenicochroite typically forms. If you start seeing crocoite, vauquelinite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify phoenicochroite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is orange-yellow. Common colors include cochineal-red, hyacinth-red, dark red.

Where is phoenicochroite found?+

Notable localities include Berezovskoe, Ural Mountains, Russia; Mina Esperanza, Chile; Touissit, Morocco.

How much is phoenicochroite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is phoenicochroite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and chromium; handle with care, avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like phoenicochroite?+

Phoenicochroite is most often confused with Crocoite, Vauquelinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with phoenicochroite?+

Phoenicochroite commonly co-occurs with Crocoite, Vauquelinite, Quartz, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does phoenicochroite form in?+

Phoenicochroite typically forms in oxidized zones of lead-chromium ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is phoenicochroite used for?+

Phoenicochroite is used in collector.

Find phoenicochroite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.