Kyrgyzstanite is a rare sulfate mineral typically found as delicate, pearly-yellow platy crystals or crusts. It is most famously associated with the mercury mines in the Khaydarkan district of Kyrgyzstan, where it forms in oxidized zones.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareZinc-bearing sulfate family

Kyrgyzstanite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this kyrgyzstanite?

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 kyrgyzstanite with a known reference. Kyrgyzstanite 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: pearly.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pickeringite

Mohs 1.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Kyrgyzstanite and vitreous on Pickeringite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Kyrgyzstanite and vitreous on Halotrichite.

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Often found alongside kyrgyzstanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: ZnAl₄SO₄(OH)₁₂·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Colors: Yellow Pale yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy crystals, crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Zn-dominant analogue of chalcoalumite

Where rockhounds find kyrgyzstanite

Classic worldwide localities

Kara-Tangi, Fergana Valley, Osh, Kyrgyzstan (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Zn-dominant analogue of chalcoalumite. If you start seeing cinnabar, quartz, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kyrgyzstanite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. Luster: pearly. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow.

Where is kyrgyzstanite found?+

Notable localities include Kara-Tangi, Fergana Valley, Osh, Kyrgyzstan (type locality).

What rocks look like kyrgyzstanite?+

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

What minerals are found with kyrgyzstanite?+

Kyrgyzstanite commonly co-occurs with Cinnabar, Quartz, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kyrgyzstanite form in?+

Where it forms: Zn-dominant analogue of chalcoalumite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kyrgyzstanite used for?+

Kyrgyzstanite is used in collector.

Find kyrgyzstanite on the map

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