Matteuccite is a rare sulfate mineral typically found as a volcanic sublimated product in fumarole vents. Collectors should look for delicate, needle-like white or colorless crystals forming crusts; it is highly water-soluble and must be stored in a dry environment.
Is this matteuccite?
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 matteuccite with a known reference. Matteuccite 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. Matteuccite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Matteuccite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous crystals, often as crusts or efflorescences.
Often confused with
Matteuccite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside matteuccite
Minerals reported to co-occur with matteuccite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaHSO₄·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 1.74 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Crystals, Often as Crusts or Efflorescences
- Cleavage
- Good On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumaroles
- Typical price
- $20-100 for small study specimens
Where rockhounds find matteuccite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vesuvius, Italy
- Etna, Italy
- Tolbachik volcano, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumaroles country — that is the host setting where matteuccite typically forms. If you start seeing thenardite, gypsum, alums in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous crystals, often as crusts or efflorescences habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify matteuccite?+
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How much is matteuccite worth?+
What rocks look like matteuccite?+
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Find matteuccite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
