Yazganite is a rare sulfate mineral typically found as small, yellow, tabular crystals in oxidized hydrothermal environments. It is chemically related to the jarosite group and is highly prized by mineral collectors due to its extremely limited type locality in Turkey.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Yazganite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this yazganite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch yazganite with a known reference. Yazganite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Yazganite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Yazganite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

Yazganite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Yazganite and dull on Natrojarosite.

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Often found alongside yazganite

Minerals reported to co-occur with yazganite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: NaFe³⁺₂(SO₄)₂(OH)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.89 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish Yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find yazganite

Classic worldwide localities

Gediktepe mine, Turkey

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where yazganite typically forms. If you start seeing jarosite, gypsum, kaolinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify yazganite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, brownish yellow.

Where is yazganite found?+

Notable localities include Gediktepe mine, Turkey.

How much is yazganite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like yazganite?+

Yazganite is most often confused with Jarosite, Natrojarosite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with yazganite?+

Yazganite commonly co-occurs with jarosite, gypsum, kaolinite, hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does yazganite form in?+

Yazganite typically forms in oxidized zones of hydrothermal ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is yazganite used for?+

Yazganite is used in collector.

Find yazganite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.