Lausenite is a rare iron sulfate mineral that typically forms as an efflorescence or crust on decomposing iron sulfide minerals. It is highly unstable in humid conditions and can easily dehydrate or dissolve, making it a challenging mineral for collectors to store and display.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareSulfate Mineral family

Lausenite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this lausenite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside lausenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe₂(SO₄)₃·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.2-2.3 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Fibrous, Efflorescent Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Mine Dumps, Pyrite-bearing Rocks
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find lausenite

Classic worldwide localities

Lausitz, Germany
Chile
United States

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized mine dumps, pyrite-bearing rocks country — that is the host setting where lausenite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, melanterite, copiapite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, efflorescent crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lausenite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is lausenite found?+

Notable localities include Lausitz, Germany; Chile; United States.

How much is lausenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like lausenite?+

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

What minerals are found with lausenite?+

Lausenite commonly co-occurs with Pyrite, Melanterite, Copiapite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lausenite form in?+

Lausenite typically forms in oxidized mine dumps, pyrite-bearing rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lausenite used for?+

Lausenite is used in collector.

Find lausenite on the map

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