Adranosite-(Fe) is an extremely rare sulfate mineral found primarily in active volcanic fumaroles. It typically forms as small, distinct tabular crystals deposited by volcanic gases at high temperatures.

Hardness
2-3
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Transparent

Is this adranosite-(fe)?

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 adranosite-(fe) with a known reference. Adranosite-(Fe) sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Adranosite-(Fe) leaves a white streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Adranosite-(Fe) typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Adranosite-(Fe) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside adranosite-(fe)

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

All properties

Chemical formula
(NH₄)₄NaFe₂(SO₄)₄Cl(OH)₂
Mohs hardness
2-3
Density
2.81 g/cm³
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Tetragonal
Crystal habit
Tabular Crystals
Cleavage
None
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price
High-value for specialized systematic mineral collections

Where rockhounds find adranosite-(fe)

Classic worldwide localities

  • La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country — that is the host setting where adranosite-(fe) typically forms. If you start seeing sulphur, gypsum, anhydrite 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

How do you identify adranosite-(fe)?+
Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange.
Where is adranosite-(fe) found?+
Notable localities include La Fossa crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy.
How much is adranosite-(fe) worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of High-value for specialized systematic mineral collections. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
What rocks look like adranosite-(fe)?+
Adranosite-(Fe) is most often confused with Adranosite, Alunite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with adranosite-(fe)?+
Adranosite-(Fe) commonly co-occurs with Sulphur, Gypsum, Anhydrite, Hieratite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does adranosite-(fe) form in?+
Adranosite-(Fe) typically forms in fumarolic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is adranosite-(fe) used for?+
Adranosite-(Fe) is used in collector.

Find adranosite-(fe) on the map

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