Römerite is a secondary sulfate mineral typically found as a post-mining efflorescence in oxidized sulfide deposits. Collectors should look for its distinctive brownish-red tabular crystals in arid environments where iron-rich rocks have been exposed to atmospheric weathering.
Is this römerite?
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 römerite with a known reference. Römerite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Römerite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Römerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular to prismatic crystals, also as granular or massive crusts.
Often confused with
Römerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside römerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with römerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe²⁺Fe³⁺₂(SO₄)₄·14H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.17 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Prismatic Crystals, Also as Granular or Massive Crusts
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Sulfide Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find römerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Rammelsberg, Germany
- Cerro Pintados, Chile
- Alcaparrosa mine, Chile
- United Verde Mine, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of sulfide ore deposits country, the host setting where römerite typically forms. If you start seeing copiapite, coquimbite, melanterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to prismatic crystals, also as granular or massive crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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What rocks look like römerite?+
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Find römerite on the map
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