Dietrichite Locality: Felsőbánya, Baia Sprie, Romania (formerly Hungary) Exposed in the Mineralogical Museum of University Bonn, Germany — Photo: Ra'ike · CC BY-SA 3.0
Dietrichite
Dietrichite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula ZnAl₂(SO₄)₄·22H₂O.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group P2_1/c). It is a member of the Halotrichite structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2; specific gravity 1.85; Silky luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Dtr, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1878.
Occurs as post-mining efflorescences in abandoned mine workings.
The mineral was named to honor Dr. Gustav Heinrich Dietrich, Přı́bram, Czech Republic, who analyzed the first specimens.