Pyracmonite is a rare ammonium iron oxalate mineral typically found as a precipitate in volcanic fumarole environments. Collectors should look for small, delicate tabular crystals often associated with other rare organic-derived or ammonia-bearing minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Pyracmonite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this pyracmonite?

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 pyracmonite with a known reference. Pyracmonite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pyracmonite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Pyracmonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside pyracmonite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (NH₄)₃Fe(C₂O₄)₃·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumaroles
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find pyracmonite

Classic worldwide localities

Terra Nova, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumaroles country, the host setting where pyracmonite typically forms. If you start seeing salammoniac, tissintite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify pyracmonite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is pyracmonite found?+

Notable localities include Terra Nova, Italy.

How much is pyracmonite worth?+

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

What rocks look like pyracmonite?+

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

What minerals are found with pyracmonite?+

Pyracmonite commonly co-occurs with salammoniac, tissintite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pyracmonite form in?+

Pyracmonite typically forms in fumaroles. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is pyracmonite used for?+

Pyracmonite is used in collector.

Find pyracmonite on the map

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