Volaschioite is a very rare iron sulfate mineral typically occurring as soft, earthy yellow coatings or powdery aggregates. It is found as an alteration product of pyrite in specific hydrothermal vein systems. Collectors generally identify it through its association with other secondary iron sulfates in localized Italian deposits.
Is this volaschioite?
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 volaschioite with a known reference. Volaschioite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Volaschioite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Volaschioite typically shows a earthy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: powdery aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Volaschioite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside volaschioite
Minerals reported to co-occur with volaschioite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₄(SO₄)(OH)₁₀
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Earthy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Powdery Aggregates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $20-100 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find volaschioite
Classic worldwide localities
- Voltaggio, Liguria, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where volaschioite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, jarosite, copiapite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a powdery aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find volaschioite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
