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Jarosite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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08685940017577148781469.jpg
Jarosite

Chaos mines, Elafos, Lavreotiki, East Attica, Attica, Greece
04367040017575197247532.jpg
Jarosite

Beauvoir quarry, Échassières, Vichy, Allier, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
05595300017575184532946.jpg
Jarosite

Grand Central Mine, Contention-Grand Central Mine group, Tombstone Mining District, Cochise County, Arizona, USA
02139900017575189902169.jpg
Jarosite

Chaos mines, Elafos, Lavreotiki, East Attica, Attica, Greece
05321200017362684755021.jpg
Jarosite

Beauvoir quarry, Échassières, Vichy, Allier, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
05595300017575184532946.jpg
Jarosite

Grand Central Mine, Contention-Grand Central Mine group, Tombstone Mining District, Cochise County, Arizona, USA
08685940017577148781469.jpg
Jarosite

Chaos mines, Elafos, Lavreotiki, East Attica, Attica, Greece
04367040017575197247532.jpg
Jarosite

Beauvoir quarry, Échassières, Vichy, Allier, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
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About JarositeHide

06711030017271924209869.jpg
Old mine shafts in Jaroso ravine

Jaroso Ravine, Sierra Almagrera, Cuevas del Almanzora, Almería, Andalusia, Spain
Formula:
KFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6
Colour:
Amber-yellow, yellow-brown, to brown or light yellow.
Lustre:
Sub-Adamantine, Vitreous, Resinous
Hardness:
2½ - 3½
Specific Gravity:
2.9 - 3.26
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Name:
Named in 1852 by Johann Friedrich August Breithaupt for the type locality, Barranco Jaroso in southern Spain.
The most common member of the alunite supergroup.
The Fe(III) analogue of alunite. Visually indistinguishable from natrojarosite and other members of the jarosite group.

Usually found as amber-yellow to brown crusts or coatings of minute crystals, larger crystals rather rare.

Desborough et al. (2010) showed there is only limited solid solution between jarosite and natrojarosite at low temperatures.

Synthetic samples may be monoclinic-pseudorhombohedral (Grey et al., 2010, 2013).

Mo-bearing jarosite was described by Žáček et al. (2008).

Jarosite has been used for dating (K-Ar method) of weathering processes.

Some jarosites may be a sink of the toxic metal thallium.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
2078
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2078:3

IMA Classification of JarositeHide

IMA status:
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)

Classification of JarositeHide

Strunz-mindat (2025):
7.BC.10

7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
B : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, without H2O
C : With medium-sized and large cations
Dana 7th ed.:
30.2.5.1
Dana 8th ed.:
30.2.5.1

30 : ANHYDROUS SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
2 : (AB)2(XO4)Zq
Hey's CIM Ref.:
25.11.9

25 : Sulphates
11 : Sulphates of Fe and other metals

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.

SymbolSourceReference
JrsIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43
JrsWhitney & Evans (2010)Whitney, D.L. and Evans, B.W. (2010) Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 95, 185–187 doi:10.2138/am.2010.3371
JrsThe Canadian Mineralogist (2019)The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download
JrsWarr (2020)Warr, L.N. (2020) Recommended abbreviations for the names of clay minerals and associated phases. Clay Minerals, 55, 261–264 doi:10.1180/clm.2020.30

Pronunciation of JarositeHide

Pronunciation:
PlayRecorded byCountry
Jolyon RalphUnited Kingdom

Physical Properties of JarositeHide

Lustre:
Sub-Adamantine, Vitreous, Resinous
Transparency:
Translucent
Comment:
Sub-adamantine to vitreous on crystal faces; resinous on fractures.
Colour:
Amber-yellow, yellow-brown, to brown or light yellow.
Streak:
Pale-yellow
Hardness:
2½ - 3½ on Mohs scale
Hardness Data:
Measured
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Distinct on {0001}.
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Conchoidal
Density:
2.9 - 3.26 g/cm3 (Measured)    3.25 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of JarositeHide

Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.815 - 1.82 nε = 1.713 - 1.715
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.102 - 0.105
Based on recorded range of RI values above.

Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.

Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.

Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.

Surface Relief:
Moderate
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
Ε (X) = Colourless
(Y) = Reddish brown
Ο (Z) = Reddish brown
Comments:
Commonly anomalously biaxial with a very small 2V and sectional development.

Chemistry of JarositeHide

Mindat Formula:
KFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O44.727 %
Fe33.453 %
S12.805 %
K7.807 %
H1.208 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
Elements listed:
Fe, H, K, O, S - search for minerals with similar chemistry
Common Impurities:
Na,Ag,Pb

Chemical AnalysisHide

Oxide wt%:
 1
H2O-3.64 %
H2O+5.49 %
Fe2O311.50 %
CaO0.42 %
Na2O0.50 %
K2O0.58 %
SO310.15 %
Residue67.63 %
Total:99.91 %
Sample references:
IDLocalityReferenceNotes
1Eisden colliery, Eisden, Maasmechelen, Limburg, Flanders, Belgium
Van Tassel, R. (1956) Notes minéralogiques. VI. Occurrences de minéraux jarositiques en Belgique. Bulletin de l'Institut royal des Sciences naturelles de Belgique: 32(24): 1-18.
Analysis by Van Tassel & Van Stiphoudt

Crystallography of JarositeHide

Crystal System:
Trigonal
Class (H-M):
3m (3 2/m) - Hexagonal Scalenohedral
Space Group:
R3m
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.304 Å, c = 17.268 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 2.364
Unit Cell V:
797.80 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
3
Morphology:
Crystals usually tiny, pseudocubic {01-13} or tabular {0001}. Typically found as granular crusts, it may also be in nodules or fibrous masses, powdery to earthy, or concretionary.

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0004433JarositeBasciano L C, Peterson R C (2007) Jarosite - hydronium jarosite solid solution series with full iron occupancy: Mineralogy and crystal chemistry American Mineralogist 92 1464-14732007synthetic0293
0004434JarositeBasciano L C, Peterson R C (2007) Jarosite - hydronium jarosite solid solution series with full iron occupancy: Mineralogy and crystal chemistry American Mineralogist 92 1464-14732007synthetic0293
0004435JarositeBasciano L C, Peterson R C (2007) Jarosite - hydronium jarosite solid solution series with full iron occupancy: Mineralogy and crystal chemistry American Mineralogist 92 1464-14732007synthetic0293
0004436JarositeBasciano L C, Peterson R C (2007) Jarosite - hydronium jarosite solid solution series with full iron occupancy: Mineralogy and crystal chemistry American Mineralogist 92 1464-14732007synthetic0293
0004437JarositeBasciano L C, Peterson R C (2007) Jarosite - hydronium jarosite solid solution series with full iron occupancy: Mineralogy and crystal chemistry American Mineralogist 92 1464-14732007synthetic0293
0004438JarositeBasciano L C, Peterson R C (2007) Jarosite - hydronium jarosite solid solution series with full iron occupancy: Mineralogy and crystal chemistry American Mineralogist 92 1464-14732007synthetic0293
0004439JarositeBasciano L C, Peterson R C (2007) Jarosite - hydronium jarosite solid solution series with full iron occupancy: Mineralogy and crystal chemistry American Mineralogist 92 1464-14732007Rio Tonto, Huelva, Spain0293
0004440JarositeBasciano L C, Peterson R C (2007) Jarosite - hydronium jarosite solid solution series with full iron occupancy: Mineralogy and crystal chemistry American Mineralogist 92 1464-14732007Rio Tonto, Huelva, Spain0293
0004571JarositeBasciano L C, Peterson R C (2008) Crystal chemistry of the natrojarosite-jarosite and natrojarosite-hydronium jarosite solid-solution: A synthetic study with full Fe site occupancy American Mineralogist 93 853-8622008synthetic0293
0004572JarositeBasciano L C, Peterson R C (2008) Crystal chemistry of the natrojarosite-jarosite and natrojarosite-hydronium jarosite solid-solution: A synthetic study with full Fe site occupancy American Mineralogist 93 853-8622008synthetic0293
0004573JarositeBasciano L C, Peterson R C (2008) Crystal chemistry of the natrojarosite-jarosite and natrojarosite-hydronium jarosite solid-solution: A synthetic study with full Fe site occupancy American Mineralogist 93 853-8622008synthetic0293
0017748JarositeScarlett N V Y, Grey I E, Brand H E A (2010) Ordering of iron vacancies in monoclinic jarosites American Mineralogist 95 1590-15932010synthetic0368
0020094JarositeMills S J, Nestola F, Kahlenberg V, Christy A G, Hejny C, Redhammer G J (2013) Looking for jarosite on Mars: The low-temperature crystal structure of jarosite American Mineralogist 98 1966-19712013Jaroso Ravine, Sierra Almagrera, Andalusia, Almeria, Spain0297
0020095JarositeMills S J, Nestola F, Kahlenberg V, Christy A G, Hejny C, Redhammer G J (2013) Looking for jarosite on Mars: The low-temperature crystal structure of jarosite American Mineralogist 98 1966-19712013Jaroso Ravine, Sierra Almagrera, Andalusia, Almeria, Spain0253
0020096JarositeMills S J, Nestola F, Kahlenberg V, Christy A G, Hejny C, Redhammer G J (2013) Looking for jarosite on Mars: The low-temperature crystal structure of jarosite American Mineralogist 98 1966-19712013Jaroso Ravine, Sierra Almagrera, Andalusia, Almeria, Spain0213
0020097JarositeMills S J, Nestola F, Kahlenberg V, Christy A G, Hejny C, Redhammer G J (2013) Looking for jarosite on Mars: The low-temperature crystal structure of jarosite American Mineralogist 98 1966-19712013Jaroso Ravine, Sierra Almagrera, Andalusia, Almeria, Spain0173
0020098JarositeMills S J, Nestola F, Kahlenberg V, Christy A G, Hejny C, Redhammer G J (2013) Looking for jarosite on Mars: The low-temperature crystal structure of jarosite American Mineralogist 98 1966-19712013Jaroso Ravine, Sierra Almagrera, Andalusia, Almeria, Spain0133
0008600JarositeBecker U, Gasharova B (2001) AFM observations and simulations of jarosite growth at the molecular scale: probing the basis for the incorporation of foreign ions into jarosite as a storage mineral Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 28 545-55620010293
0014420JarositeKato T, Miura Y (1977) The crystal structure of jarosite and svanbergite Mineralogical Journal 8 419-4301977Meadow Valley 1, Pinoche, Nevada, USA0293
0014756JarositeMenchetti S, Sabelli C (1976) Crystal chemistry of the alunite series: crystal structure refinement of alunite and synthetic jarosite Neues Jahrbuch fur Mineralogie, Monatshefte 1976 406-4171976synthetic0293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Loading XRD data...
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
5.93 Å(50)
5.09 Å(70)
3.65 Å(40)
3.11 Å(80)
3.08 Å(100)
2.29 Å(40)
1.98 Å(50)
1.83 Å(50)
Locality:
Jaroso Ravine, Sierra Almagrera, Cuevas del Almanzora, Almería, Andalusia, Spain

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
45a : [Sulfates, arsenates, selenates, antimonates]
46 : Near-surface hydrothermal alteration of minerals (see also #22)
47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals]
47b : [Sulfates and sulfites]
Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere<0.6
49 : Oxic cellular biomineralization (see also #44)<0.54
Geological Setting:
A secondary mineral found in the oxidized zones of sulfide deposits, forming by the reaction of dilute sulfuric acid in groundwater, derived from the oxidation of pyrite, with gangue minerals and wall rock in the deposits.

Type Occurrence of JarositeHide

Synonyms of JarositeHide

Other Language Names for JarositeHide

Varieties of JarositeHide

Calcium-JarositeProbably an impure Jarosite
KolosorukiteA variety of Jarosite low in Fe3+ (possibly with a hydronium jarosite or natrojarosite component).
Originally described from Korozluky (Kolosoruk), Most, Ústí Region, Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen), Czech Republic.

Relationship of Jarosite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Alunite Group > Alunite Supergroup
Other Members of Alunite Group:
AluniteKAl3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m : R3m
Ammonioalunite(NH4)Al3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig.
Ammoniojarosite(NH4)Fe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m : R3m
ArgentojarositeAgFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m : R3m
Beaverite-(Cu)Pb(Fe3+2Cu)(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
Beaverite-(Zn)Pb(Fe3+2Zn)(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
DorallchariteTlFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
HuangiteCa0.5Al3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
Hydroniumjarosite(H3O)Fe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
NatroaluniteNaAl3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m : R3m
Natroalunite-2c(Na,Ca0.5,K)Al3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
NatrojarositeNaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m : R3m
OsarizawaitePb(Al2Cu2+)(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
PlumbojarositePb0.5Fe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
Schlossmacherite(H3O)Al3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
WalthieriteBa0.5Al3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig.
Forms a series with:
NatrojarositeJarosite-Natrojarosite Series
AluniteAlunite-Jarosite Series

Common AssociatesHide

Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
201 photos of Jarosite associated with QuartzSiO2
95 photos of Jarosite associated with GoethiteFe3+O(OH)
53 photos of Jarosite associated with HematiteFe2O3
51 photos of Jarosite associated with NatrojarositeNaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6
48 photos of Jarosite associated with GypsumCaSO4 · 2H2O
46 photos of Jarosite associated with RodalquilariteFe2(TeO2OH)3(TeO3)Cl
43 photos of Jarosite associated with ScoroditeFe3+AsO4 · 2H2O
26 photos of Jarosite associated with PharmacosideriteKFe3+4(AsO4)3(OH)4 · 6-7H2O
24 photos of Jarosite associated with WinstanleyiteTiTe4+3O8
22 photos of Jarosite associated with Limonite

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

7.BC.ViskontitePb5Cu2(SO4)3(SeO3)(OH)6Orth. mm2 : Pmn21
7.BC.ZincochenitePb4Zn(OH)6(SO4)2Tric. 1 : P1
7.BC.D'Ansite-(Mn)Na21Mn2+(SO4)10Cl3Iso. 4 3m : I4 3d
7.BC.D'Ansite-(Fe)Na21Fe2+(SO4)10Cl3Iso. 4 3m : I4 3d
7.BC.Acmonidesite(NH4,K,Pb)8NaFe2+4(SO4)5Cl8Orth. 2 2 2 : C2 2 21
7.BC.Adranosite(NH4)4NaAl2(SO4)4Cl(OH)2Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I41/acd
7.BC.ChromviskontitePb5Cu2(CrO4)3(SeO3)(OH)6Orth. mm2 : Pmn21
7.BC.BackitePb2AlTeO6ClTrig. 3 2 : P3 1 2
7.BC.Adranosite-(Fe)(NH4)4NaFe3+2(SO4)4Cl(OH)2Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I41/acd
7.BC.AgaitePb3CuTeO5(OH)2(CO3) Orth. mm2 : Pca21
7.BC.WildcatiteCaFe3+Te6+O5(OH)Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : P3 1m
7.BC.HagstromitePb8Cu2+(Te6+O6)2(CO3)Cl4Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Ibam
7.BC.05D'AnsiteNa21Mg(SO4)10Cl3Iso. 4 3m : I4 3m
7.BC.07ApateliteFe3(SO4)2(OH)5 · 0.5H2O
7.BC.07Unnamed (Ba-Fe Vanadate)Ba, Fe, V, O, H
7.BC.10DorallchariteTlFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
7.BC.10ArgentojarositeAgFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m : R3m
7.BC.10NatroaluniteNaAl3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m : R3m
7.BC.10NatrojarositeNaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m : R3m
7.BC.10Beaverite-(Cu)Pb(Fe3+2Cu)(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
7.BC.10Beaverite-(Zn)Pb(Fe3+2Zn)(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
7.BC.10WalthieriteBa0.5Al3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig.
7.BC.10HuangiteCa0.5Al3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
7.BC.10Natroalunite-2c(Na,Ca0.5,K)Al3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
7.BC.10AluniteKAl3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m : R3m
7.BC.10PlumbojarositePb0.5Fe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
7.BC.10Karlseifertite Pb(Ga2Ge)(AsO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
7.BC.10Hydroniumjarosite(H3O)Fe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
7.BC.10Ammonioalunite(NH4)Al3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig.
7.BC.10Ammoniojarosite(NH4)Fe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m : R3m
7.BC.10OsarizawaitePb(Al2Cu2+)(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
7.BC.10Schlossmacherite(H3O)Al3(SO4)2(OH)6Trig. 3m (3 2/m) : R3m
7.BC.15Ye'elimiteCa4Al6(SO4)O12Iso. 4 3 2 : I41 3 2
7.BC.20NabokoiteKCu7(SO4)5(Te4+O3)OClTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/ncc
7.BC.20PuniniteNa2Cu3O(SO4)3Mon. 2/m : B2/b
7.BC.20AtlasoviteK(BiO)Cu6Fe3+(SO4)5O3ClTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/ncc
7.BC.25ChlorothioniteK2Cu(SO4)Cl2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
7.BC.30EuchlorineKNaCu3(SO4)3OMon. 2/m
7.BC.30FedotoviteK2Cu3(SO4)3OMon. 2/m : B2/b
7.BC.35KamchatkiteKCu3(SO4)2OClOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
7.BC.40PiypiteK4Cu4O2(SO4)4 · (Na,Cu)ClTet. 4 : I4
7.BC.45AlumoklyuchevskiteK3Cu3(Al,Fe3+)(SO4)4O2Tric. 1 : P1
7.BC.45BelousoviteKZn(SO4)ClMon. 2/m : P21/b
7.BC.45KlyuchevskiteK3Cu3(Fe3+,Al)(SO4)4O2Mon. 2
7.BC.47MülleritePb2Fe3+(Te6+O6)ClTrig. 3 2 : P31 1 2
7.BC.50CaledonitePb5Cu2(SO4)3(CO3)(OH)6Orth. mm2 : Pmn21
7.BC.50ElasmochloiteNa3Cu6BiO4(SO4)5Mon. 2/m
7.BC.52Eleomelanite(K2Pb)Cu4O2(SO4)4Mon. 2/m
7.BC.55FalgariteK4(VO)3(SO4)5Mon. 2/m : B2/b
7.BC.55WherryitePb7Cu2(SO4)4(SiO4)2(OH)2Mon. 2/m : B2/m
7.BC.57KrasheninnikoviteKNa2CaMg(SO4)3FHex. 6/mmm (6/m 2/m 2/m) : P63/mcm
7.BC.60WulffiteK3NaCu4O2(SO4)4Orth. mm2
7.BC.60ParawulffiteK5Na3Cu8O4(SO4)8Mon. 2/m : P2/b
7.BC.60MammothitePb6Cu4AlSb5+O2(OH)16Cl4(SO4)2Mon. 2 : B2
7.BC.62ShuvaloviteK2(Ca2Na)(SO4)3FOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
7.BC.65SaccoiteCa2Mn3+2F(OH)8 · 0.5(SO4)Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/ncc
7.BC.65LinaritePbCu(SO4)(OH)2Mon. 2/m : P21/m
7.BC.65Therasiaite(NH4)3KNa2Fe2+Fe3+(SO4)3Cl5Mon. m : Bb
7.BC.65FranksousaitePbCu(Se6+O4)(OH)2Mon. 2/m : P21/m
7.BC.65MunakataitePb2Cu2(Se4+O3)(SO4)(OH)4Mon. 2/m : P21/m
7.BC.65SchmiederitePb2Cu2(Se6+O4)(Se4+O3)(OH)4Mon. 2/m : P21/m
7.BC.70ChenitePb4Cu(SO4)2(OH)6Tric. 1 : P1
7.BC.75KrivovichevitePb3Al(OH)6(SO4)(OH)Trig. 3m : R3c
7.BC.80AnhydrokainiteKMg(SO4)Cl

RadioactivityHide

Radioactivity:
Element % Content Activity (Bq/kg) Radiation Type
Uranium (U) 0.0000% 0 α, β, γ
Thorium (Th) 0.0000% 0 α, β, γ
Potassium (K) 7.8071% 2,420 β, γ

For comparison:

  • Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
  • Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
  • EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg

Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.

Interactive Simulator:

Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!

Activity: –

DistanceDose rateRisk
1 cm
10 cm
1 m

The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).

D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield

Other InformationHide

Electrical:
Strongly pyroelectric.
Notes:
Insoluble in water; soluble in HCl.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

Internet Links for JarositeHide

References for JarositeHide

Reference List:
Coloma, L., Aramendia, J., Población, I., Huidobro, J., García-Florentino, C., Arana, G., Madariaga, J.M. (2023): High resolution Raman microscopy and imaging to propose a jarosite formation process in the MIL 090030 Martian Meteorite. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 305, 123454.
Rammelsberg (1838) Annalen der Physik, Halle, Leipzig: 43: 132 (as Gelbeisenerz).
Haidinger, Wm. (1845) 512 (as Misy).
Hausmann, J.F.L. (1847) Handbuch der Mineralogie 3 volumes, Göttingen. Second edition: vol. 2, in two parts: 1205 (as Vitriolgelb).
Breithaupt (1852) Berg.- und hüttenmännisches Zeitung, Freiberg, Leipzig (merged into Glückauf): 6: 68 (as Jarosit).
Shepard C.U. (1857) Treatise on Mineralogy, third edition: vol. 2: 4 (suppl. app.) (as Moronolite).
Bergemann (1866) Naturhistorischer Verein der Rheinlande und Westfalens, Bonn. Sitzungsberichte Verhandlungen: 27: 17 (as Pastréit).
Weisbach, Albin (1875) Synopsis mineralogical, systematische Übersicht des Mineralreiches., 1st. edition, 78 pp., Freiberg: 42 (Kolosorukite variety).
Koenig, G.A. (1880) On jarosite from a new locality. American Chemical Journal: 2: 375-379.
Koenig, G.A. (1880) Notes on jarosite. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia: 32: 331-332.
Hintze, Carl (1889) Handbuch der Mineralogie. Berlin and Leipzig. 6 volumes: 1 [3]: 4200.
Genth, F.A. (1890) Jarosite from Utah. American Journal of Science: 39: 73-73.
Dana, Edward Salisbury; Dana, James Dwight (1892) A System of Mineralogy (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Azema (1910) Note sur une jarosite. Bulletin de la Société française de Minéralogie: 33(3-4): 130-132.
Schaller, W.T. (1916) Mineralogic Notes. US Geological Survey, Bulletin 610: 137.
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.92
Gordon, S.G. (1925) Mineralogical Notes, 4. Jarosite, Midvale, Virginia. Proceedings of the Academy of Science, Philadelphia: 77: 1-13.
Locke, A. (1926) Leached Outcrops as Guides to Copper Ore. London: Baillière, Tindall and Cox: 175 pgs (107).
Jirkovsky (1927) Časopis Nârod. Musea, Prague, Czech Republic: 101: 151.
Westgate, L.G., Knopf, A. (1932) Geology and ore deposits of the Pioche district, Nevada. US Geological Survey Professional Paper 171: 79 pgs (47).
Hendricks, Sterling B. (1937) The crystal structure of alunite and the jarosites. American Mineralogist, 22 (6) 773-784
Blanchard, Roland (1944) Chemical and mineralogical composition of twenty typical "limonites". American Mineralogist, 29 (3-4) 111-114
Breshenkov (1946) Comptes rendus de l’académie des sciences de l’U.R.S.S.: 52: 329.
Palache, Charles, Berman, Harry, Frondel, Clifford (1951) The System of Mineralogy (7th ed.) Vol. 2 - Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Ect. John Wiley and Sons, New York.pp.560-562
Kingsbury, Arthur W. G., Hartley, J. (1958) Jarosite and natrojarosite from the Lake District. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 31 (240). 813-815 doi:10.1180/minmag.1958.031.240.09
Brophy, Gerald P., Scott, Earl S., Snellgrove, Richard A. (1962) Sulfate studies II. Solid solution between alunite and jarosite. American Mineralogist, 47 (1-2) 112-126
Brophy, Gerald P., Sheridan, Michael F. (1965) Sulfate studies IV: The jarosite-natrojarosite-hydronium jarosite solid solution series. American Mineralogist, 50 (10) 1595-1607
Dutrizac, J.E., Kaiman, S. (1976) Synthesis and properties of jarosite-type compounds. The Canadian Mineralogist: 14(2): 156-158.
Menchetti, S., Sabelli, C. (1976) Crystal chemistry of the alunite series: crystal structure refinement of alunite and synthetic jarosite. Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie, Monatshefte: 1976: 406-417.
Kato, Toshio, Miúra, Yasunori (1977) The crystal structures of jarosite and svanbergite. Mineralogical Journal, 8 (8) 419-430 doi:10.2465/minerj.8.419
Serna, Carlos J., Cortina, C.Parada, Garcia Ramos, José V. (1986) Infrared and Raman study of alunite—jarosite compounds. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular Spectroscopy, 42 (6). 729-734 doi:10.1016/0584-8539(86)80092-7
Scott, Keith M. (1987) Solid solution in, and classification of, gossan-derived members of the alunite-jarosite family, northwest Queensland, Australia. American Mineralogist, 72 (1-2) 178-187
Gaines, Richard V., Skinner, H. Catherine W., Foord, Eugene E., Mason, Brian, Rosenzweig, Abraham, King, Vandall T. (1997) Dana's New Mineralogy (8th ed.). Wiley-Interscience. p.1872
Sasaki, K., Tanaike, O., Konno, H. (1998) Distinction of jarosite-group compounds by Raman spectroscopy . The Canadian Mineralogist, 36 (5). 1225-1235
Drouet, Christophe, Navrotsky, Alexandra (2003) Synthesis, characterization, and thermochemistry of K-Na-H3O jarosites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 67 (11) 2063-2076 doi:10.1016/s0016-7037(02)01299-1
Drouet, C., Baron, D., Navrotsky, N. (2003) On the thermochemistry of the solid solution between jarosite and its chromate analog. American Mineralogist: 88: 1949-1954.
Bishop, J. L. (2005) The visible and infrared spectral properties of jarosite and alunite. American Mineralogist, 90 (7) 1100-1107 doi:10.2138/am.2005.1700
(2005) Jarosite. Handbook of Mineralogy. Mineralogical Society of America
Frost, Ray L., Wills, Rachael-Anne, Weier, Matt L., Martens, Wayde (2005) Comparison of the Raman spectra of natural and synthetic K- and Na-jarosites at 298 and 77 K. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 36 (5). 435-444 doi:10.1002/jrs.1317
Frost, Ray L., Wills, Rachael-Anne, Weier, Matt L., Martens, Wayde, Mills, Stuart (2006) A Raman spectroscopic study of selected natural jarosites. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 63 (1) 1-8 doi:10.1016/j.saa.2005.03.034
Smith, Adrian M.L., Hudson-Edwards, Karen A., Dubbin, William E., Wright, Kate (2006) Defects and impurities in jarosite: A computer simulation study. Applied Geochemistry, 21 (8) 1251-1258 doi:10.1016/j.apgeochem.2006.06.002
Papike, J.J. (2006) Terrestrial analogs of martian sulfates: Major and minor element systematics of alunite-jarosite from Goldfield, Nevada. American Mineralogist, 91 (7) 1197-1200 doi:10.2138/am.2006.2257
Smith, Adrian M.L., Hudson-Edwards, Karen A., Dubbin, William E., Wright, Kate (2006) Dissolution of jarosite [KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6] at pH 2 and 8: Insights from batch experiments and computational modelling. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 70 (3) 608-621 doi:10.1016/j.gca.2005.09.024
Papike, J.J., Burger, P.V., Karner, J.M., Shearer, C.K., Lueth, V.W. (2007) Terrestrial analogs of martian jarosites: Major, minor element systematics and Na-K zoning in selected samples. American Mineralogist, 92 (2) 444-447 doi:10.2138/am.2007.2442
Basciano, L. C., Peterson, R. C. (2007) Jarosite hydronium jarosite solid-solution series with full iron site occupancy: Mineralogy and crystal chemistry. American Mineralogist, 92 (8) 1464-1473 doi:10.2138/am.2007.2432
Lane, M. D. (2007) Mid-infrared emission spectroscopy of sulfate and sulfate-bearing minerals. American Mineralogist, 92 (1) 1-18 doi:10.2138/am.2007.2170
Žáček, V., Škoda, R., Laufek, F. (2008) Molybdenem bohatý jarosit z oxidační zóny středověkého Au-Ag ložiska v Hůrkách u Rakovníka (Česká republika). Bulletin mineralogicko-petrologického oddělení Národního muzea v Praze: 16(2): 190-192 (in Czech with English abstract).
Basciano, L. C., Peterson, R. C. (2008) Crystal chemistry of the natrojarosite-jarosite and natrojarosite-hydronium jarosite solid-solution series: A synthetic study with full Fe site occupancy. American Mineralogist, 93 (5) 853-862 doi:10.2138/am.2008.2731
Sato, Eriko, Nakai, Izumi, Miyawaki, Ritsuro, Matsubara, Satoshi (2009) Crystal structures of alunite family minerals: beaverite, corkite, alunite, natroalunite, jarosite, svanbergite, and woodhouseite. Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie - Abhandlungen, 185 (3) 313-322 doi:10.1127/0077-7757/2009/0128
Basciano, L. C.; Peterson, R. C. (2010) A crystallographic study of the incomplete solid solution between plumbojarosite and jarosite. The Canadian Mineralogist, 48 (3). 651-659 doi:10.3749/canmin.48.3.651
Desborough, George A., Smith, Kathleen S., Lowers, Heather A., Swayze, Gregg A., Hammarstrom, Jane M., Diehl, Sharon F., Leinz, Reinhard W., Driscoll, Rhonda L. (2010) Mineralogical and chemical characteristics of some natural jarosites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 74 (3) 1041-1056 doi:10.1016/j.gca.2009.11.006
Scarlett, N. V. Y., Grey, I. E., Brand, H. E. A. (2010) Ordering of iron vacancies in monoclinic jarosites. American Mineralogist, 95 (10) 1590-1593 doi:10.2138/am.2010.3591 [synth. samples]
Xu, Hongwu, Zhao, Yusheng, Vogel, Sven C., Hickmott, Donald D., Daemen, Luke L., Hartl, Monika A. (2010) Thermal expansion and decomposition of jarosite: a high-temperature neutron diffraction study. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 37 (2) 73-82 doi:10.1007/s00269-009-0311-5
Grey, I. E., Scarlett, N. V. Y., Bordet, P., Brand, H. E. A. (2011) Jarosite–butlerite intergrowths in non-stoichiometric jarosites: crystal chemistry of monoclinic natrojarosite–hydroniumjarosite phases. Mineralogical Magazine, 75 (6) 2775-2791 doi:10.1180/minmag.2011.075.6.2775
Brand, Helen E. A.; Scarlett, Nicola V. Y.; Grey, Ian E. (2012) In situ studies into the formation kinetics of potassium jarosite. Journal of Applied Crystallography, 45 (3). 535-545 doi:10.1107/s002188981201607x
Scarlett, Nicola V. Y.; Grey, Ian E.; Brand, Helen E. A. (2013) In situ synchrotron diffraction studies on the formation kinetics of jarosites. Journal of Synchrotron Radiation, 20 (2). 366-375 doi:10.1107/s0909049513000101
Mills, S. J., Nestola, F., Kahlenberg, V., Christy, A. G., Hejny, C., Redhammer, G. J. (2013) Looking for jarosite on Mars: The low-temperature crystal structure of jarosite. American Mineralogist, 98 (11) 1966-1971 doi:10.2138/am.2013.4587
Grey, I. E., Scarlett, N. V. Y., Brand, H. E. A. (2013) Crystal chemistry and formation mechanism of non-stoichiometric monoclinic K-jarosites. Mineralogical Magazine, 77 (3) 249-268 doi:10.1180/minmag.2013.077.3.03
Zhao, Fengqi, Gu, Shangyi (2021) Secondary Sulfate Minerals from Thallium Mineralized Areas: Their Formation and Environmental Significance. Minerals, 11 (8) 855 doi:10.3390/min11080855
Hinman, Nancy W., Bishop, Janice L., Gulick, Virginia C., Dettmann, J. Michelle Kotler, Morkner, Paige, Berlanga, Genesis, Henneberger, Ruth M., Bergquist, Peter, Richardson, Charles Doc, Walter, Malcolm R., MacKenzie, Lindsay A., Anitori, Roberto P., Scott, Jill R. (2021) Targeting mixtures of jarosite and clay minerals for Mars exploration. American Mineralogist, 106 (8) 1237-1254 doi:10.2138/am-2021-7415
Chukanov, N.V., Kasatkin, A.V., Varlamov, D.A., Ermolaeva, V.N., Kolisnichenko, S.V., Nestola, F. (2022): Crystallization of Jarosite from Sulfate-Phosphate Gel in the Shelkandy Occurrence of Phosphate Mineralization, South Urals. Zapiski RMO: 151(3): 75-85.
Whitworth, Anne J., Brand, Helen E.A., Wilson, Siobhan A., Grey, Ian E., Stephen, Natasha R., Gozukara, Yesim, Frierdich, Andrew J. (2023) The occurrence of monoclinic jarosite in natural environments. American Mineralogist, 108 (3) 584-594 doi:10.2138/am-2022-8276
Grigg, Andrew R. C., Notini, Luiza, Kaegi, Ralf, ThomasArrigo, Laurel K., Kretzschmar, Ruben (2024) Structural Effects of Aluminum and Iron Occupancy in Minerals of the Jarosite-Alunite Solid Solution. ACS Earth and Space Chemistry, 8 (2) 194-206 doi:10.1021/acsearthspacechem.3c00174
McCollom, Thomas M.; Potter-McIntyre, Sally L.; Donaldson, Chris; Reyes, Andres; Moskowitz, Bruce; Solheid, Peter (2025) Rare occurrence of jarosite-alunite solid solutions with intermediate Al-Fe contents in the Jurassic Aztec Sandstone, Nevada, U.S.A. American Mineralogist, 110 (10). 1626-1639 doi:10.2138/am-2024-9423

Localities for JarositeHide

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.

Locality ListShow

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