Chaidamuite is a rare secondary sulfate mineral typically found as small, yellow, translucent crystals in the oxidation zones of ore deposits. It is named after its type locality in the Qaidam Basin of China and is highly sought after by collectors of rare sulfate species.
Is this chaidamuite?
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 chaidamuite with a known reference. Chaidamuite 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. Chaidamuite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chaidamuite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular to prismatic crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Chaidamuite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chaidamuite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chaidamuite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnFe³⁺(SO₄)₂(OH)·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.66 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Prismatic Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find chaidamuite
Classic worldwide localities
- Qaidam Basin, Qinghai Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where chaidamuite typically forms. If you start seeing jarosite, gypsum, halotrichite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to prismatic crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chaidamuite?+
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How much is chaidamuite worth?+
What rocks look like chaidamuite?+
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Find chaidamuite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
