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.
Is this adranosite-(fe)?
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 adranosite-(fe) with a known reference. Adranosite-(Fe) sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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
- 2.18 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- Present on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A sublimate found on pyroclastic breccia in volcanic fumaroles (Italy); an anthropogenic product of a burning coal dump (Anna mine, near Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Where rockhounds find adranosite-(fe)
Classic worldwide localities
- La Fossa Crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A sublimate found on pyroclastic breccia in volcanic fumaroles (Italy); an anthropogenic product of a burning coal dump (Anna mine, near Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany). If you start seeing thermessaite, pseudocotunnite, bismuthinite or barberiite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify adranosite-(fe)?+
Where is adranosite-(fe) found?+
What rocks look like adranosite-(fe)?+
What minerals are found with adranosite-(fe)?+
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Find adranosite-(fe) on the map
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