Alcaparrosaite is a rare sulfate mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in oxidized iron-rich mine environments. It is characterized by its distinctive yellow tabular crystal habit and is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of rare sulfate species.
Is this alcaparrosaite?
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 alcaparrosaite with a known reference. Alcaparrosaite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Alcaparrosaite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Alcaparrosaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Alcaparrosaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside alcaparrosaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with alcaparrosaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₃TiFe³⁺(SO₄)₄O·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Oxidized Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 for rare micromounts or small specimens
Where rockhounds find alcaparrosaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Alcaparrosa mine, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized ore deposits country — that is the host setting where alcaparrosaite typically forms. If you start seeing jarosite, copiapite, halotrichite 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
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Find alcaparrosaite on the map
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