Redingtonite is a rare hydrated sulfate mineral typically found as delicate, fibrous efflorescences in mine workings. Because it is highly soluble in water, it must be stored in a dry, sealed environment to prevent dehydration and crumbling. It is primarily sought by advanced mineral collectors specializing in secondary sulfate species.
Is this redingtonite?
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 redingtonite with a known reference. Redingtonite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Redingtonite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Redingtonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, red, violet-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fibrous, acicular, efflorescent crusts.
Often confused with
Redingtonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside redingtonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with redingtonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Fe²⁺,Ni)Al₂ (SO₄)₄·22H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 1.79 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Acicular, Efflorescent Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Alteration Zones in Mercury-bearing Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find redingtonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Redington Mine, California, USA
- Almaden District, Spain
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal alteration zones in mercury-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where redingtonite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, melanterite, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, acicular, efflorescent crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find redingtonite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
