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. Streak: dark brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: crystalline, platy.
Often confused with
Scrutinyite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Scrutinyite leaves dark brown, Plattnerite leaves chestnut-brown; luster reads submetallic on Scrutinyite and bright metallic to adamantine; tarnishing dull on exposure on Plattnerite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Scrutinyite leaves dark brown, Pyrolusite leaves black, bluish 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
- 9.867 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Dark brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Translucent in thin flakes
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Crystalline, platy
- Cleavage
- {100}, perfect; {010}, imperfect (forms by analogy to columbite)
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the oxidized zone of hydrothermal lead-bearing ore deposits
Where rockhounds find scrutinyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sunshine #1 and Mex-Tex mines, near Bingham, Hansonburg district, Socorro Co., New Mexico, and at the Grand Deposit mine, Muncy Creek district, White Pine Co., Nevada, USA
- Ojuela mine, Mapimí, Durango, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the oxidized zone of hydrothermal lead-bearing ore deposits. If you start seeing murdochite, plattnerite, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: crystalline, platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify scrutinyite?+
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Is scrutinyite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like scrutinyite?+
What minerals are found with scrutinyite?+
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Find scrutinyite on the map
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