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, 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.