Edoylerite is a rare mercury chromium oxide that forms canary yellow to orangeish yellow acicular to prismatic crystals. Associated minerals include cinnabar, deanesmithite and quartz. It was first described from the Clear Creek claim, San Benito Co., California, USA.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Edoylerite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this edoylerite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch edoylerite with a known reference. Edoylerite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Edoylerite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Edoylerite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: canary yellow, orangeish yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular to prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Edoylerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Phoenicochroite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Edoylerite leaves yellow, Phoenicochroite leaves orange-yellow.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Edoylerite leaves yellow, Crocoite leaves orange-yellow.

Compare →

Often found alongside edoylerite

Minerals reported to co-occur with edoylerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Hg²⁺₃(Cr⁶⁺O₄)S₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 7.11 g/cm³
Colors: Canary Yellow Orangeish Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular to Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: On {010}, Good; On {101}, Fair
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Serpentinite

Where rockhounds find edoylerite

Classic worldwide localities

Clear Creek claim, San Benito County, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in serpentinite country, the host setting where edoylerite typically forms. If you start seeing benitoite, nefedievite, chromite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular to prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify edoylerite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include canary yellow, orangeish yellow.

Where is edoylerite found?+

Notable localities include Clear Creek claim, San Benito County, California, USA.

Is edoylerite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like edoylerite?+

Edoylerite is most often confused with Phoenicochroite, Crocoite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with edoylerite?+

Edoylerite commonly co-occurs with Benitoite, Nefedievite, Chromite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does edoylerite form in?+

Edoylerite typically forms in serpentinite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is edoylerite used for?+

Edoylerite is used in collector.

Find edoylerite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.