Meta-alunogen is a rare aluminum sulfate hydrate that typically forms as an alteration product of alunogen. It is found as delicate, fibrous crusts or efflorescences in arid mining districts and fumarolic deposits. Collectors should store these specimens in sealed, climate-controlled containers to prevent dehydration or rapid deterioration.
Is this meta-alunogen?
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 meta-alunogen with a known reference. Meta-alunogen 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. Meta-alunogen leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Meta-alunogen typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fibrous, powdery, or efflorescent crusts.
Often confused with
Meta-alunogen vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside meta-alunogen
Minerals reported to co-occur with meta-alunogen. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₂(SO₄)₃·12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 1.79 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Powdery, Or Efflorescent Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Acid Mine Drainage Environments or Volcanic Fumaroles
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find meta-alunogen
Classic worldwide localities
- Alcaparrosa Mine, Chile
- Czech Republic
- Germany
- Hungary
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in acid mine drainage environments or volcanic fumaroles country — that is the host setting where meta-alunogen typically forms. If you start seeing alunogen, copiapite, melanterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, powdery, or efflorescent crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify meta-alunogen?+
Where is meta-alunogen found?+
How much is meta-alunogen worth?+
What rocks look like meta-alunogen?+
What minerals are found with meta-alunogen?+
What kind of rock does meta-alunogen form in?+
What is meta-alunogen used for?+
Find meta-alunogen on the map
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