Karasugite is an extremely rare strontium zinc sulfate mineral discovered in the Karasug iron deposit in Russia. It typically occurs as small, tabular crystals within carbonate-rich hydrothermal veins. Collectors prize it for its unique chemical composition and scarcity in the global mineral market.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Karasugite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this karasugite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Anglesite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Karasugite and adamantine on Anglesite.

Often found alongside karasugite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: SrZn(SO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.84 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Iron Deposits
Typical price: $100-500+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find karasugite

Classic worldwide localities

Karasug iron deposit, Tuva Republic, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal iron deposits country — that is the host setting where karasugite typically forms. If you start seeing baryte, fluorite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify karasugite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is karasugite found?+

Notable localities include Karasug iron deposit, Tuva Republic, Russia.

How much is karasugite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like karasugite?+

Karasugite is most often confused with Anglesite, Celestite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with karasugite?+

Karasugite commonly co-occurs with Baryte, Fluorite, Magnetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does karasugite form in?+

Karasugite typically forms in hydrothermal iron deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is karasugite used for?+

Karasugite is used in collector.

Find karasugite on the map

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