Crimsonite is a rare lead iron phosphate that forms deep red with a slight purplish cast blades. It is a low-temperature, secondary, oxidation-zone mineral. It was first described from the Phosphate stope, Silver Coin mine, Valmy, Iron Point district, Humboldt County, Nevada, USA.
Is this crimsonite?
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 crimsonite with a known reference. Crimsonite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Crimsonite leaves a light purplish orange streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Crimsonite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, crimson.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: blades.
Often confused with
Crimsonite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Crimsonite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 2.5-3); streak differs, so Crimsonite leaves light purplish orange, Lepidolite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Crimsonite and pearly on Lepidolite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Crimsonite leaves light purplish orange, Triphylite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Crimsonite and vitreous on Triphylite.
Often found alongside crimsonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with crimsonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbFe³⁺₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 5.180 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Purplish Orange
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Blades
- Cleavage
- None Observed; Imperfect On {101} (by Analogy to Carminite)
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find crimsonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Brazil
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where crimsonite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, tourmaline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a blades habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify crimsonite?+
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Find crimsonite on the map
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