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. Streak: pale yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: silky.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, golden yellow, orange, pale brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: aggregates, earthy, nodular.
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
- 2.68 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale yellow
- Luster
- Silky
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, earthy, nodular
- Cleavage
- On {100}, {010}, perfect; on {001}, nearly perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- An uncommon alteration product of pyrite, typically formed in arid climates but stably formed in sea-shore environments
Where rockhounds find metasideronatrite
Classic worldwide localities
- Capitol Reef National Monument, Wayne Co., Utah, USA
- Yazzie No. 101 mine, near Cameron, Coconino Co., Arizona, USA
- Hot Springs Point sulfur mine, eight km east-southeast of Crescent Valley, Eureka Co., Nevada, USA
- Chuquicamata and the Sierra Gorda district, southwest of Calama, Antofagasta, Chile
- Sydney coalfield, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Trerubies Cove, near Delabole, Cornwall, and at Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire, England
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: An uncommon alteration product of pyrite, typically formed in arid climates but stably formed in sea-shore environments. If you start seeing sideronatrite, metavoltine, ungemachite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, earthy, nodular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify metasideronatrite?+
Where is metasideronatrite found?+
What rocks look like metasideronatrite?+
What minerals are found with metasideronatrite?+
What kind of rock does metasideronatrite form in?+
What is metasideronatrite used for?+
Find metasideronatrite on the map
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