Drobecite is a rare cadmium sulfate. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2002, from material found in Greece.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Drobecite

Drobecite is a rare cadmium sulfate. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2002, from material found in Greece.

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

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Is this drobecite?

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 drobecite with a known reference. Drobecite 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. Drobecite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Drobecite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Drobecite and dull on Starkeyite.

Often found alongside drobecite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cd(SO₄)·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits

Where rockhounds find drobecite

Classic worldwide localities

Antofagasta, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country, the host setting where drobecite typically forms. If you start seeing epsomite, hexahydrite 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 drobecite?+

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

Where is drobecite found?+

Notable localities include Antofagasta, Chile.

Is drobecite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains cadmium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like drobecite?+

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

What minerals are found with drobecite?+

Drobecite commonly co-occurs with Epsomite, Hexahydrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does drobecite form in?+

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

What is drobecite used for?+

Drobecite is used in collector.

Find drobecite on the map

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