Hectorfloresite is a rare sodium iodate sulfate that typically forms in arid evaporite environments. It is most recognized for its occurrence at the Hector Mine in California, where it is found as thin, tabular crystals or fine-grained masses associated with other secondary minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrare

Hectorfloresite

Hardness: ~2
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

No image

Is this hectorfloresite?

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 hectorfloresite with a known reference. Hectorfloresite sits at Mohs ~2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, pseudo hexagonal.

Often found alongside hectorfloresite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₉(IO₃)(SO₄)₄
Mohs hardness: ~2
Density: 2.80 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic, pseudo hexagonal
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In dessication cavities in a nitrate deposit; may be more widespread than this single locality indicates

Where rockhounds find hectorfloresite

Classic worldwide localities

Alianza nitrate mine, Oficina Victoria, Tarapacá, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In dessication cavities in a nitrate deposit; may be more widespread than this single locality indicates. If you start seeing glauberite, nitratine, blödite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, pseudo hexagonal. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hectorfloresite?+

Mohs hardness is ~2. Luster: adamantine. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is hectorfloresite found?+

Notable localities include Alianza nitrate mine, Oficina Victoria, Tarapacá, Chile.

What minerals are found with hectorfloresite?+

Hectorfloresite commonly co-occurs with Glauberite, Nitratine, Blödite, Darapskite, Halite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hectorfloresite form in?+

Where it forms: In dessication cavities in a nitrate deposit; may be more widespread than this single locality indicates. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hectorfloresite used for?+

Hectorfloresite is used in collector.

Find hectorfloresite on the map

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