Botryogen is a rare hydrous sulfate mineral that typically forms distinct botryoidal or reniform crusts in the oxidized zones of iron and copper sulfide mines. Collectors value it for its vibrant orange to deep red color and unique globular habit, though it is sensitive to humidity and must be kept in a stable environment.
Is this botryogen?
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 botryogen with a known reference. Botryogen sits at Mohs 2-2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Botryogen leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Botryogen typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, red, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: botryoidal, reniform, crusts, prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Botryogen vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside botryogen
Minerals reported to co-occur with botryogen. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MgFe³⁺(SO₄)₂(OH)·7H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-2.5
- Density
- 2.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Botryoidal, Reniform, Crusts, Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Sulfide Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for miniature specimens
Where rockhounds find botryogen
Classic worldwide localities
- Falun, Sweden
- San Juan Province, Argentina
- Chuquicamata, Chile
- Rio Tinto, Spain
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of sulfide ore deposits country — that is the host setting where botryogen typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, copiapite, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a botryoidal, reniform, crusts, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify botryogen?+
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Find botryogen on the map
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