Slavíkite is a rare hydrated iron-magnesium sulfate typically found as bright yellow to yellow-green crusts or botryoidal coatings. It commonly forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zones of sulfide ore deposits, often associated with other iron sulfates.
Is this slavíkite?
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 slavíkite with a known reference. Slavíkite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Slavíkite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Slavíkite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: botryoidal, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Slavíkite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside slavíkite
Minerals reported to co-occur with slavíkite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaMg₂Fe₅(SO₄)₇(OH)₆·33H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Botryoidal, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Pyrite-bearing Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find slavíkite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
- Sierra Gorda, Chile
- Quetena, Chile
- Kidd Creek Mine, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of pyrite-bearing ore deposits country — that is the host setting where slavíkite typically forms. If you start seeing copiapite, pickeringite, halotrichite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a botryoidal, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify slavíkite?+
Where is slavíkite found?+
How much is slavíkite worth?+
What rocks look like slavíkite?+
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Find slavíkite on the map
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