How do I identify Natrojarosite?

Natrojarosite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 - 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Yellow color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Natrojarosite?

Natrojarosite typically appears in Yellow, golden brown, red-brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Natrojarosite?

Natrojarosite has a hardness of 2.5 - 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Natrojarosite

A variety of Minerals

What is Natrojarosite?

Jarosite is a basic hydrous sulfate of potassium and ferric iron (Fe-III) with a chemical formula of KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6. This sulfate mineral is formed in ore deposits by the oxidation of iron sulfides. Jarosite is often produced as a byproduct during the purification and refining of zinc and is also commonly associated with acid mine drainage and acid sulfate soil environments.

Natrojarosite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Natrojarosite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Natrojarosite Localities Map

See where Natrojarosite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Natrojarosite

Jarosite has a trigonal crystal structure and is brittle, with basal cleavage, a hardness of 2.5-3.5, and a specific gravity of 3.15-3.26. It is translucent to opaque with a vitreous to dull luster, and is colored dark yellow to yellowish-brown. It can sometimes be confused with limonite or goethite with which it commonly occurs in the gossan (oxidized cap over an ore body). Jarosite is an iron analogue of the potassium aluminium sulfate, alunite.