Pyrobelonite is a rare lead manganese vanadate found primarily in metamorphosed iron-manganese deposits. Collectors look for its distinctive deep red to orange-red bladed or needle-like crystal sprays typically resting on contrasting black manganese minerals.
Is this pyrobelonite?
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 pyrobelonite with a known reference. Pyrobelonite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow-orange, reddish.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine, may be submetallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular, prismatic.
Often confused with
Pyrobelonite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Pyrobelonite leaves yellow-orange, reddish, Descloizite leaves orange to brownish red; luster reads adamantine, may be submetallic on Pyrobelonite and greasy on Descloizite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Pyrobelonite leaves yellow-orange, reddish, Vanadinite leaves white to pale red or pale yellow; luster reads adamantine, may be submetallic on Pyrobelonite and subresinous to subadamantine on Vanadinite.
Often found alongside pyrobelonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pyrobelonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbMn(VO₄)(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.82 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow-orange, reddish
- Luster
- Adamantine, may be submetallic
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, prismatic
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Typically in metamorphosed Fe–Mn mineral deposits
Where rockhounds find pyrobelonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey, USA
- Långban, Värmland, Sweden
- Tŷ Coch, near South Cornelly, Glamorgan district, Wales
- Fianel mine, Val Ferrera, Graubünden, Switzerland
- Iron Monarch quarry, Iron Knob, South Australia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Typically in metamorphosed Fe–Mn mineral deposits. If you start seeing hausmannite, manganite, pyrochroite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find pyrobelonite on the map
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