Walthierite is a rare barium-dominant member of the alunite group often found in hydrothermally altered volcanic environments. Collectors typically look for small, white, platy crystals or granular masses formed within acid-sulfate leaching zones.
Is this walthierite?
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 walthierite with a known reference. Walthierite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Walthierite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Walthierite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Walthierite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside walthierite
Minerals reported to co-occur with walthierite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₀.₅Al₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.51 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Alteration Zones in Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find walthierite
Classic worldwide localities
- Walthier Mine, Germany
- Goldfield, Nevada, USA
- Iron Mountain, California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal alteration zones in volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where walthierite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, alunite, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find walthierite on the map
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