Ramaccioniite is a rare calcium perchlorate sulfate mineral that occurs as small, delicate platy or globular aggregates. It is primarily identified within arid evaporite settings where specific geological conditions allow for the formation of rare perchlorate salts.
Is this ramaccioniite?
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 ramaccioniite with a known reference. Ramaccioniite 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. Ramaccioniite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ramaccioniite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, or globular aggregates.
Often confused with
Ramaccioniite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ramaccioniite leaves yellow, Gypsum leaves white; luster reads pearly on Ramaccioniite and vitreous on Gypsum.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ramaccioniite leaves yellow, Anhydrite leaves white; luster reads pearly on Ramaccioniite and vitreous on Anhydrite.
Often found alongside ramaccioniite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ramaccioniite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄(ClO₄)₂(SO₄)(OH)₄·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Or Globular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ramaccioniite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tuscany, Italy
- Cerro Pintados, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where ramaccioniite typically forms. If you start seeing halite, glauberite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, or globular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ramaccioniite on the map
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