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 — that is 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?+
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Find aluminocoquimbite on the map
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