Yavapaiite is a rare potassium iron sulfate typically found as an oxidation product in mine dumps or as a fumarolic deposit. It usually occurs as small, delicate tabular crystals or thin crusts, often associated with other iron-bearing sulfates.
Is this yavapaiite?
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 yavapaiite with a known reference. Yavapaiite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Yavapaiite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Yavapaiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals or crusts.
Often confused with
Yavapaiite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside yavapaiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with yavapaiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KFe(SO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.66 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals or Crusts
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarolic Environments or Mine Dumps Where Sulfate Minerals Form
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find yavapaiite
Classic worldwide localities
- United Verde Mine, Jerome, Arizona
- Fumaroles of Mount Vesuvius, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarolic environments or mine dumps where sulfate minerals form country, the host setting where yavapaiite typically forms. If you start seeing copiapite, rozenite, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify yavapaiite?+
Where is yavapaiite found?+
How much is yavapaiite worth?+
What rocks look like yavapaiite?+
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Find yavapaiite on the map
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