Utahite is a rare copper-bearing iron sulfate mineral found primarily in the oxidation zones of ore deposits. It typically forms attractive golden-yellow to yellow platy or tabular crystal aggregates and crusts, making it a desirable specialty for mineral collectors.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareCopiapite Group family

Utahite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this utahite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch utahite with a known reference. Utahite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Utahite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Utahite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, golden yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, tabular.

Often confused with

Utahite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Utahite and vitreous on Jarosite.

Compare →

Often found alongside utahite

Minerals reported to co-occur with utahite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₃Fe₄(SO₄)₆(OH)₆·29H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Golden Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts, Tabular
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find utahite

Classic worldwide localities

Gold Hill, Tooele County, Utah, USA
Tintic district, Juab County, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where utahite typically forms. If you start seeing jarosite, malachite, brochantite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify utahite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, golden yellow.

Where is utahite found?+

Notable localities include Gold Hill, Tooele County, Utah, USA; Tintic district, Juab County, Utah, USA.

How much is utahite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like utahite?+

Utahite is most often confused with Copiapite, Jarosite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with utahite?+

Utahite commonly co-occurs with Jarosite, Malachite, Brochantite, Anglesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does utahite form in?+

Utahite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is utahite used for?+

Utahite is used in collector.

Find utahite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.