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.
Is this kyrgyzstanite?
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 kyrgyzstanite with a known reference. Kyrgyzstanite 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. Kyrgyzstanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kyrgyzstanite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
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
- ZnAl₂(SO₄)₄·22H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kyrgyzstanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khaydarkan, Kyrgyzstan
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where kyrgyzstanite typically forms. If you start seeing cinnabar, quartz, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kyrgyzstanite on the map
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