Zircosulfate is an extremely rare zirconium sulfate mineral that typically forms as a secondary encrustation or in fumarolic environments. It appears as small, fragile, colorless to white tabular crystals that are highly soluble in water, making it a challenging mineral to collect and store.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Zircosulfate

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this zircosulfate?

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 zircosulfate with a known reference. Zircosulfate sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zircosulfate leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zircosulfate typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside zircosulfate

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Zr(SO₄)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.4-2.5 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find zircosulfate

Classic worldwide localities

Lucky Strike mine, Utah, USA
Khibiny Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country — that is the host setting where zircosulfate typically forms. If you start seeing jarosite, gypsum, zircon in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zircosulfate?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is zircosulfate found?+

Notable localities include Lucky Strike mine, Utah, USA; Khibiny Massif, Russia.

How much is zircosulfate 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 zircosulfate?+

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

What minerals are found with zircosulfate?+

Zircosulfate commonly co-occurs with Jarosite, Gypsum, Zircon. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zircosulfate form in?+

Zircosulfate typically forms in fumarolic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zircosulfate used for?+

Zircosulfate is used in collector.

Find zircosulfate on the map

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