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 — that is 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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