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.
Is this pyracmonite?
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 pyracmonite with a known reference. Pyracmonite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pyracmonite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pyracmonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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
- 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 — that is 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
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Find pyracmonite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
