Camaronesite is a rare hydrated iron phosphate-sulfate discovered in the arid regions of northern Chile. It typically forms delicate, transparent, tabular crystals or radial aggregates within crusts of secondary sulfates, making it a prized specimen for specialized mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Camaronesite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this camaronesite?

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 camaronesite with a known reference. Camaronesite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Camaronesite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Camaronesite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Vivianite

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Camaronesite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Camaronesite leaves white, Vivianite leaves white to light blue.

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Often found alongside camaronesite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe³⁺₂(PO₄)(SO₄)(OH)·8H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.41 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Arid Volcanic Environments
Typical price: $50-300 for micro-mounts

Where rockhounds find camaronesite

Classic worldwide localities

Camarones, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in arid volcanic environments country — that is the host setting where camaronesite typically forms. If you start seeing jarosite, copiapite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify camaronesite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale yellow.

Where is camaronesite found?+

Notable localities include Camarones, Chile.

How much is camaronesite 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 camaronesite?+

Camaronesite is most often confused with Vivianite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with camaronesite?+

Camaronesite commonly co-occurs with Jarosite, Copiapite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does camaronesite form in?+

Camaronesite typically forms in arid volcanic environments. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is camaronesite used for?+

Camaronesite is used in collector.

Find camaronesite on the map

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