Paracoquimbite is a rare hydrated iron sulfate that forms in the oxidized zones of pyrite-rich ore deposits in arid climates. It is frequently found as a dimorph of Coquimbite, often forming pale violet to white hexagonal plates or granular crusts. Due to its high solubility in water, specimens must be stored in a dry, airtight environment to prevent dehydration and breakdown.
Is this paracoquimbite?
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 paracoquimbite with a known reference. Paracoquimbite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paracoquimbite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paracoquimbite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: violet, pale violet, white, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: hexagonal plates, pseudo-hexagonal crystals, granular masses.
Often confused with
Paracoquimbite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paracoquimbite leaves white, Copiapite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Paracoquimbite and pearly on Copiapite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Paracoquimbite and silky on Alunogen.
Often found alongside paracoquimbite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paracoquimbite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₂(SO₄)₃·9H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.11 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Hexagonal Plates, Pseudo-hexagonal Crystals, Granular Masses
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Arid Oxidation Zones of Iron-sulfide Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find paracoquimbite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chuquicamata, Chile
- Alcaparrosa mine, Chile
- Rio Marina, Elba, Italy
- Kol-Zhabar, Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Look in arid oxidation zones of iron-sulfide ore deposits country — that is the host setting where paracoquimbite typically forms. If you start seeing coquimbite, copiapite, alunogen in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal plates, pseudo-hexagonal crystals, granular masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find paracoquimbite on the map
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