Chvaleticeite is a rare hydrated sulfate mineral typically formed as an oxidation product of manganese-bearing sulfides. It usually appears as delicate, fibrous crusts or efflorescences in mine workings where humidity is low. Collectors prize it for its association with secondary sulfate assemblages, though it is highly soluble and requires storage in a dry environment.
Is this chvaleticeite?
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 chvaleticeite with a known reference. Chvaleticeite sits at Mohs 1.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellow green, pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: efflorescences.
Often confused with
Chvaleticeite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chvaleticeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chvaleticeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MnSO₄·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5
- Density
- 1.84 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent to transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Efflorescences
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Formed in the oxidation zone of a pyrite–manganese silicate deposit (Chvaletice, Czech Republic)
Where rockhounds find chvaleticeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chvaletice, and at Jáchymov (Joachimsthal), Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Formed in the oxidation zone of a pyrite–manganese silicate deposit (Chvaletice, Czech Republic). If you start seeing melanterite, magnesian–manganoan melanterite, epsomite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: efflorescences. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chvaleticeite?+
Where is chvaleticeite found?+
What rocks look like chvaleticeite?+
What minerals are found with chvaleticeite?+
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What is chvaleticeite used for?+
Find chvaleticeite on the map
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