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 — that is 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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