Parabutlerite is a rare secondary iron sulfate mineral typically formed through the oxidation of pyrite in arid environments. It appears as delicate orange or yellow platy crystals or crusts, often found in association with other rare sulfates in volcanic or desert mining districts.
Is this parabutlerite?
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 parabutlerite with a known reference. Parabutlerite 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. Parabutlerite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Parabutlerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, powdery coatings.
Often confused with
Parabutlerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Parabutlerite leaves yellow, Butlerite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Parabutlerite and pearly on Copiapite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Parabutlerite leaves yellow, Fibroferrite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Parabutlerite and silky on Fibroferrite.
Often found alongside parabutlerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with parabutlerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe³⁺(SO₄)(OH)·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.68 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Powdery Coatings
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Iron-rich Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-200 for micro-mounts and rare specimens
Where rockhounds find parabutlerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chuquicamata Mine, Chile
- Sierra Gorda, Chile
- Alcaparrosa Mine, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of iron-rich ore deposits country — that is the host setting where parabutlerite typically forms. If you start seeing butlerite, copiapite, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, powdery coatings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find parabutlerite on the map
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