Seeligerite is a very rare lead iodate mineral primarily known from the oxidized zones of lead deposits in Chile. It typically forms small, vibrant yellow, tabular crystals that possess a distinct adamantine luster. Collectors prize it for its unique chemistry and exceptional rarity, usually occurring in small, delicate clusters.
Is this seeligerite?
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 seeligerite with a known reference. Seeligerite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Seeligerite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Seeligerite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: canary yellow, golden yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Seeligerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Seeligerite leaves yellow, Wulfenite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Seeligerite and resinous on Wulfenite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Seeligerite leaves yellow, Anglesite leaves white.
Often found alongside seeligerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with seeligerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃Cl₃(IO₃)O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 6.8-7.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Lead-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $200-1500 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find seeligerite
Classic worldwide localities
- San Rafael Mine, Chile
- Sierra Gorda, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized lead-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where seeligerite typically forms. If you start seeing anglesite, cerussite, paratacamite 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 seeligerite on the map
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