Jarosite is a mineral, the main sulfate of potassium and iron, often contains sodium impurities. The stone is used instead of paint and natural pigment, it is widely used in icon painting.
History and origin
Jarosite was first discovered in Spain in the Jaroso region in 1852 by the German mineralogist August Breithaupt. The mineral got its name from the place of discovery (English Jarosite).
The mineral is formed by the occurrence of a chemical reaction in the interaction of sulfate waters with oxygen. The formation occurs in exogenous conditions at the initial stages of development of the zones of oxidation of sulfide deposits and in the weathering crust of rocks that contain pyrite.
REFERENCE! Under surface conditions, the mineral has poor stability, therefore, its preservation is favored by the conditions of a dry, hot climate.
Place of Birth
It is a very common mineral and is found in Russia, Germany, Greece, Spain, Mexico, USA, Czech Republic.
Physicochemical characteristics
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Formula | KFe(III)3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| Impurity | Na |
| Hardness | 2,5 - 3,5 |
| Density | 2,9 - 3,3 g / cm³ |
| Syngonia | Trigonal (pyramidal) |
| Kink | Irregular to conchoidal |
| Brilliance | glassy, dim |
| Transparency | translucent - opaque |
| Color | Brown, yellow, light yellow, tan |
Varieties and colors
In terms of transparency, among the varieties of jarosite, there are both translucent, translucent minerals, and completely opaque. Does not have a wide range of colors. It may have brown or yellow hues with a clear brown tint. Luster is glassy, like diamond, but sometimes it can be resinous, dull.
REFERENCE! Glass luster is characteristic of substances that conduct electricity poorly; it got its name from the properties of glass. Diamond shine is similar to a bright glass reflection, but more pronounced and multifaceted. Resinous luster - muted, characteristic of the polished surface of amber.
Applications
Due to its brittleness, low hardness and small size, the mineral is of no great practical importance. It is not used in jewelry because of the complexity of processing.
Mainly used as a raw material for the following products:
- polishing powder;
- yellow pigment;
- paints;
- magnetic mass for welding.
The use of paint and natural pigment from jarosite is widespread in icon painting. The useful properties of materials include hiding power, high miscibility, light resistance.
Magical and healing properties
The magical and healing properties of the mineral have not been identified.
Jewelry with mineral
Jarosite is not used in jewelry. However, small crystal druses are highly valued by collectors.
Stone cost
As a rule, due to their unsightly appearance, small size and lack of practical application, solid stones are not put up for sale. However, secondary products are very popular and do not have a high cost. For example, the price of a natural jarosite pigment varies from 2 to 4 euros.
How to distinguish from fakes
There are no fakes of this mineral.
Interesting about the stone
The mineral is distributed not only on Earth, but also beyond its borders. In 2004, an American rover landed on Mars to collect rock samples. Jarosite was found among the studied material. The presence of this mineral on a desert planet, which requires water to form, led scientists to conclude that Mars was not always a lifeless planet.
