Wupatkiite is a rare hydrated sulfate mineral typically found as delicate, fibrous efflorescences in the arid, weathered sandstone environments of the American Southwest. It is notoriously fragile and soluble, often requiring dry, protected storage to prevent degradation or dissolution.
Is this wupatkiite?
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 wupatkiite with a known reference. Wupatkiite 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. Wupatkiite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Wupatkiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fibrous, efflorescent crusts.
Often confused with
Wupatkiite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside wupatkiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with wupatkiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Co,Mg,Ni,Fe)Al₂(SO₄)₄·22H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 1.89 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Efflorescent Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Weathered Sandstone
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find wupatkiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Wupatki National Monument, Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in weathered sandstone country — that is the host setting where wupatkiite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, pickeringite, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, efflorescent crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify wupatkiite?+
Where is wupatkiite found?+
How much is wupatkiite worth?+
What rocks look like wupatkiite?+
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Find wupatkiite on the map
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