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 — Xitieshanite leaves yellowish-white, Jarosite leaves yellow.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Xitieshanite leaves yellowish-white, Rozenite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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
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