Aluminocoquimbite is a rare sulfate mineral that typically forms in the oxidized zones of pyrite-rich ore deposits. It closely resembles coquimbite but can be distinguished through chemical analysis, often appearing as pale violet or colorless prismatic crystals in dry mining environments.
Is this aluminocoquimbite?
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 aluminocoquimbite with a known reference. Aluminocoquimbite 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. Aluminocoquimbite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Aluminocoquimbite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale violet, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Aluminocoquimbite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside aluminocoquimbite
Minerals reported to co-occur with aluminocoquimbite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- AlFe₂(SO₄)₃·9H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Sulfide Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find aluminocoquimbite
Classic worldwide localities
- Alcaparrosa Mine, Chile
- Chuquicamata, Chile
- Bor, Serbia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of sulfide ore deposits country, the host setting where aluminocoquimbite typically forms. If you start seeing coquimbite, copiapite, melanterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify aluminocoquimbite?+
Where is aluminocoquimbite found?+
How much is aluminocoquimbite worth?+
What rocks look like aluminocoquimbite?+
What minerals are found with aluminocoquimbite?+
What kind of rock does aluminocoquimbite form in?+
What is aluminocoquimbite used for?+
Find aluminocoquimbite on the map
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