Sbacchiite is a rare hydrated aluminum sulfate fluoride mineral found as an incrustation or in small tabular crystals within volcanic fumarole environments. It is identified primarily through X-ray diffraction due to its scarcity and similarity to other secondary sulfate minerals. Collectors typically find it in small quantities as a scientific curiosity from volcanic sites in Italy.
Is this sbacchiite?
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 sbacchiite with a known reference. Sbacchiite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sbacchiite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sbacchiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Sbacchiite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Sbacchiite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-4 vs. 1-2); luster reads vitreous on Sbacchiite and dull on Aluminite.
How to tell apart: Sbacchiite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-4 vs. 1.5-2); luster reads vitreous on Sbacchiite and silky on Pickeringite.
Often found alongside sbacchiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sbacchiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₂F₂(SO₄)₂·15H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarolic Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find sbacchiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Grotta del Fumo, Campi Flegrei, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarolic deposits country, the host setting where sbacchiite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, alunogen in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find sbacchiite on the map
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