Scrutinyite is a rare lead oxide mineral typically found in the oxidation zones of hydrothermal lead deposits. It is often identified by its distinct dark prismatic crystal habit and is frequently associated with other lead-bearing minerals like plattnerite.
Is this scrutinyite?
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 scrutinyite with a known reference. Scrutinyite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Scrutinyite leaves a yellowish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Scrutinyite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic to acicular crystals.
Often confused with
Scrutinyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Scrutinyite leaves yellowish-brown, Plattnerite leaves brownish-black.
How to tell apart: Pyrolusite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-6.5 vs. 4-5); streak differs — Scrutinyite leaves yellowish-brown, Pyrolusite leaves black; luster reads submetallic on Scrutinyite and metallic on Pyrolusite.
Often found alongside scrutinyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with scrutinyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 6.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Acicular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find scrutinyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ojuela Mine, Mexico
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Broken Hill, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead deposits country — that is the host setting where scrutinyite typically forms. If you start seeing plattnerite, goethite, wulfenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to acicular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find scrutinyite on the map
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