Xitieshanite is a rare hydrated iron sulfate mineral that typically forms as an oxidation product of iron-bearing sulfides. Collectors most often encounter it as thin crusts or small, yellow-green tabular crystals in arid, mine-dump environments.
Is this xitieshanite?
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 xitieshanite with a known reference. Xitieshanite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Xitieshanite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Xitieshanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, efflorescent aggregates.
Often confused with
Xitieshanite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Xitieshanite leaves yellowish-white, Jarosite leaves yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Xitieshanite leaves yellowish-white, Rozenite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Xitieshanite leaves yellowish-white, Melanterite leaves white.
Often found alongside xitieshanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with xitieshanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe³⁺(SO₄)(OH)·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Efflorescent Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Sulfide Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find xitieshanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Xitieshan lead-zinc mine, Qinghai, China
- Chuquicamata, Chile
- Sierra Gorda, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of sulfide ore deposits country, the host setting where xitieshanite typically forms. If you start seeing jarosite, copiapite, limonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, efflorescent aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find xitieshanite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
