Descloizite
| Colour | Red, Brown, Black |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 3 – 3.5 |
| Lustre | Greasy |
| Streak | Orange to brownish red |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Irregular, sub-conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | (Pb,Zn) 2 VO 4 OH |
| Specific gravity | 6.1 – 6.2 |
What is Descloizite?
Descloizite is a rare mineral species consisting of basic lead and zinc vanadate, (Pb, Zn)2(OH)VO4, crystallizing in the orthorhombic crystal system and isomorphous with olivenite. Appreciable gallium and germanium may also be incorporated into the crystal structure.
How to identify Descloizite
- Lustre: Greasy.
- Hardness: Mohs 3 – 3.5 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: Orange to brownish red.
- Habit: Orthorhombic crystal system.
Descloizite in different forms
Stones often confused with Descloizite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Descloizite?
Descloizite is Mohs 3 – 3.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Descloizite?
Descloizite is typically red, brown, black (Brownish red, red-orange, reddish to blackish brown, nearly black).