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 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chvaleticeite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chvaleticeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fibrous, powdery, efflorescent crusts.
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
- (Mn,Mg)SO₄·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 1.79 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Powdery, Efflorescent Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Weathered Sulfide Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find chvaleticeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chvaletice, Czech Republic
- Lavrion, Greece
- Friedrichroda, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in weathered sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where chvaleticeite typically forms. If you start seeing melanterite, rozenite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, powdery, efflorescent crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find chvaleticeite on the map
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