It is the iron analogue of the copper sulfate chalcanthite. The pentahydrate also occurs in nature as chalcanthite. Associated minerals include pisanite, chalcanthite, epsomite, pickeringite, halotrichite and other sulfate minerals. Minerals identified within the ore body include chalcanthite, chalcopyrite, copiapite, goslarite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite. As chalcanthite is a copper mineral, it can be used as an ore of copper. Due to its ready solubility, chalcanthite is more common in arid regions.