Krasnoshteinite is an extremely rare aluminum sulfate mineral first described from the Krasnoshteynskoe deposit in Russia. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals or radial aggregates within hydrothermal alteration zones, often associated with other sulfate minerals.
Is this krasnoshteinite?
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 krasnoshteinite with a known reference. Krasnoshteinite 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. Krasnoshteinite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Krasnoshteinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Krasnoshteinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside krasnoshteinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with krasnoshteinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₇(SO₄)₂(OH)₁₇·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Alteration Zones
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find krasnoshteinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Krasnoshteynskoe deposit, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal alteration zones country — that is the host setting where krasnoshteinite typically forms. If you start seeing alunite, kaolinite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find krasnoshteinite on the map
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