Albertiniite is an extremely rare iron sulfite mineral found primarily in abandoned mine workings where it forms as a secondary mineral product. It typically occurs as small, delicate yellow tabular crystals or crusts that are highly sensitive to moisture and oxidation, requiring careful storage for collectors.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Albertiniite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this albertiniite?

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 albertiniite with a known reference. Albertiniite 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. Albertiniite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Albertiniite 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: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crystalline crusts.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Albertiniite leaves yellow, Szomolnokite leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Albertiniite leaves yellow, Melanterite leaves white.

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Often found alongside albertiniite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe²⁺(SO₃)·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crystalline Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Vein Oxidation Zones
Typical price: $50-300 for micro-mounts

Where rockhounds find albertiniite

Classic worldwide localities

Miniera Montevecchio, Sardinia, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal vein oxidation zones country, the host setting where albertiniite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, sphalerite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crystalline crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify albertiniite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange.

Where is albertiniite found?+

Notable localities include Miniera Montevecchio, Sardinia, Italy.

How much is albertiniite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 for micro-mounts. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like albertiniite?+

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

What minerals are found with albertiniite?+

Albertiniite commonly co-occurs with Pyrite, Sphalerite, Galena, Jarosite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does albertiniite form in?+

Albertiniite typically forms in hydrothermal vein oxidation zones. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is albertiniite used for?+

Albertiniite is used in collector.

Find albertiniite on the map

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