$100Median
3Sold (12 mo)
$150Last sale
Jarosite specimens for sale
2 for sale · $150–$699 USD
21 in the gallery
Jarosite is a hydrous potassium iron sulfate mineral that forms in acid-sulfate environments, typically as earthy to ferruginous aggregates and sometimes as well-formed crystals. It commonly occurs in oxidized zones of sulfide deposits and mine dumps, where cloudy brown to yellow-brown masses reflect its iron- and sulfate-rich chemistry. Crystallography ranges from granular masses to plate-like or prismatic habits, and it often exhibits a dull to resinous luster. Notable specimens come from a variety of localities, including classic deposits in the United States, Spain, Mexico, Bolivia, and Greece, making it a familiar sight in many mineral collections.
- Formula
- KFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Sulfate; alunite supergroup, alunite group
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- trigonal
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5–3.5
- Specific gravity
- 2.9–3.3
- Luster
- vitreous, resinous, dull
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent, opaque
- Color
- yellow, brown, orange, red
- Streak
- yellow
- Cleavage
- distinct
- Fracture
- uneven, conchoidal
- Crystal habit
- rhombohedral, tabular, granular, massive, druzy, botryoidal
- Classic / historic
Buy Jarosite specimens
View all 2Where Jarosite is found
Top localities
- Mohawk mine3 specimens
- Potosi Mine2 specimens
- Colorado1 specimen
- El Entredicho Mine1 specimen
- Morenci1 specimen
- Northern Belle pit1 specimen
- San Jose Mine1 specimen
- San Manuel Mine1 specimen
- Serpieri Mine1 specimen
About Jarosite
Collectors prize jarosite for its distinctive color and its visibility in oxidized zones, as well as its association with late-stage, secondary mineral parageneses. While individual crystals may be modest in size, aggregates can be striking in appearance, especially when contrasted with quartz or goethite in a matrix. As a mineral that signals a specific geochemical milieu, jarosite provides context for the oxidation history of a deposit and often accompanies other iron sulfates, making it a practical and aesthetically engaging addition to a cabinet or display. Its presence across several well-documented localities helps collectors track provenance and diversify specimen suites.
