Metasideronatrite is a secondary sulfate mineral typically formed by the dehydration of sideronatrite in arid mining environments. It is most easily identified by its bright yellow, fibrous, or crust-like habit found in association with other iron sulfates in oxidized ore deposits.
Is this metasideronatrite?
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 metasideronatrite with a known reference. Metasideronatrite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Metasideronatrite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Metasideronatrite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous aggregates, crusts, radial bundles.
Often confused with
Metasideronatrite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside metasideronatrite
Minerals reported to co-occur with metasideronatrite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Fe(SO₄)₂(OH)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.64 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous Aggregates, Crusts, Radial Bundles
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Iron-bearing Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for micro or small cabinet specimens
Where rockhounds find metasideronatrite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chuquicamata, Chile
- Sierra Gorda, Chile
- Alcaparrosa mine, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of iron-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where metasideronatrite typically forms. If you start seeing sideronatrite, copiapite, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous aggregates, crusts, radial bundles habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify metasideronatrite?+
Where is metasideronatrite found?+
How much is metasideronatrite worth?+
What rocks look like metasideronatrite?+
What minerals are found with metasideronatrite?+
What kind of rock does metasideronatrite form in?+
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Find metasideronatrite on the map
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